Indulgest Bacon and Cheese Bread 🥓🧀

This decadent Bacon and Cheese Bread is the ultimate comfort food that will steal the show at any gathering! Perfectly crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center, each slice bursts with savory flavors of succulent bacon and tangy cheese. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as the star of a brunch spread! Serve it warm with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping—a true indulgence for all cheese lovers! 🤤

Ingredients

For the dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the filling

• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 8 slices)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh touch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix Ingredients: Add flour, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.

   🥄 Don’t skip the kneading—this helps develop gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture!

3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped bacon, shredded cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional green onions. Mix thoroughly.

5. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the bacon and cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

6. Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal. Cut the log into 4-6 equal pieces.

7. Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

9. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, bacon goodness!

   🔥 For an extra touch, brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after baking for added flavor.

Variations

• Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick of heat! 🌶️
• Herbed: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling for a delightful aroma and taste. 🌿
• Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with honey or a balsamic reduction as a sweet contrast to the savory bread. 🍯
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

This Indulgest Bacon and Cheese Bread is sure to be a hit among family and friends. Enjoy the indulgence! 🥳💖