Kittencal's Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 4 cups flour (more as needed)
• 2 large jalapeno peppers, coarsely chopped, and seeds removed (can use more jalapeno if desired)
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature, let egg sit in hot water for about 5-7 minutes to warm)
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (chopped into about 1/2-inch cubes or a little larger if desired)

Directions

1. 1

   Prepare a heavy-duty stand mixer with a kneader blade.

2. 2

   Proof yeast in water with 1 teaspoon sugar for 8-10 minutes, or until foamy.

3. 3

   Heat milk in the microwave for about 50 seconds on HIGH.

4. 4

   In the stainless steel bowl, add in 4 cups flour, chopped jalepenos, salt, sugar, egg, hot pepper sauce (if using) and warmed milk.

5. 5

   After the yeast has proofed, add to the bowl and start kneading, adding in more flour as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough, keep kneading for about 8-10 minutes.

6. 6

   Towards the end of the kneading add in the cubed cheddar cheese, and mix until combined (the dough can be removed from the bowl and you can add/mix in the cheese by hand if dresired).

7. 7

   After the kneading, let the dough sit out on a board or counter top to rest, covered with a clean tea towel for 8-10 minutes.

8. 8

   Gather up dough and knead gently for 30 seconds.

9. 9

   Then place the dough in a well greased bowl, and let rise until doubled (about 1-1/2 hours or could take a little longer).

10. 10

    Punch down dough and slice into two even pieces.

11. 11

    Shape into two large balls, and place on a cookie/baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

12. 12

    Cover with a clean tea towel and rise again for another 1 hour or more until doubled.

13. 13

    Brush tops with an egg white that has been mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water.

14. 14

    Sprinkle on grated Parmesan cheese or sesame seeds.

15. 15

    Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25-35 minutes or until the crust is a dark golden brown.