Thursday, March 31, 2011

In the Kitchen - Pepper Jack Cheese No Knead Bread

pepper jack cheese bread 2
Some of you may know by now that I'm a "No Knead" bread (freak) enthusiast. For the past couple of months, we've been baking it religiously at least once or twice a week. I continue to be amazed by the awesomeness that is this bread. It's so easy to make that I don't even think about the process anymore.

You can find my slightly tweaked version of the classic recipe here. Honestly, why spend five bucks on a "fresh" loaf of bread at the supermarket when for the same price you can bake a half dozen of these beauties without even breaking a sweat.

pepper jack cheese bread
Just to keep things interesting, lately I've been folding a few extra ingredients into the basic dough just before the final rise. Shredded cheddar cheese and chopped rosemary made for a interesting combination. Cubes of pepper jack cheese and a coating of sesame seeds turned out even better (our favorite combo thus far). Pulled flat and topped with some olive oil, chopped herbs and coarse sea salt, you even end up with a passable focaccia.

pepper jack cheese bread 3
My favorite part - when you slice open this warm loaf, you get all of these big pockets of melted cheese. This stuffed bread stores well in the fridge and is also excellent toasted the next day.

So what's next for this versatile dough? Chopped dried figs and roasted pumpkin seeds perhaps?

17 comments:

  1. OMG!!! This looks great!

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  2. I absolutely love no knead breads. This is awesome!

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  3. Oh my gosh Thomas...AMAZING!! It's beautiful...really...

    Baking bread is on my "list" for 2011...I have yet to do it. This might just give me the boost I need. And..it's supposed to rain on Saturday? Oh yeah...could be a perfect day for me to give it a try.

    Gorgeous photos, too...:)

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  4. I use the no knead recipe for my bread making almost exclusively. It's a great loaf and consistently produces great results. I have taken to folding some things in on the last step before the final rise too. I really like craisins and chunks of Gruyere cheese. Yum!

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  5. That bread looks yummy! I love home baked bread. I have a couple of WWOOF interns here and I am teaching them how to bake bread. They love it. We just made sourdough french bread yesterday. I suspect it won't last another day.

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  6. We just love the no knead bread too. It turns out great every time! I really need to try some variations....thanks for the inspiration!!

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  7. Now I'm hungry. That looks just wonderful.

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  8. Very nice. I do love pepper jack cheese and think rosemary would be great too.

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  9. That's a great looking loaf! No knead breads are so good when you're in a hurry or want something without a lot of work. You're really getting into the variations. I can see some no knead olive bread in my future!

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  10. NOOOOOOOOO! (said with a huge gasp!) That's what I screamed when I saw this, hubby came running to see what my fuss was about LOL! You are simply AMAZING, and I will be digging in and trying this soon!

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  11. Thomas, I can see why that bread is a family favorite. It looks fantastic!
    Thanks for sharing your tweaks with us!
    Hope you all have a great weekend! :)

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  12. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Erin, you crack me up.

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  13. My mouth is watering just looking at that...

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  14. You had me at pepper jack. This. looks. amazing.

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  15. Yummy! I love pepper jack cheese, and I love bread. I can't wait to try this.

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  16. Lovely blog, beautiful photos. It will be fun to follow throughout the gardening season. I too am journaling my garden online. I will enjoy comparing my notes, growths and weather with yours.

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  17. I just baked the "No Knead Bread" from your post of February, 2011.....one word-FABULOUS! I baked the plain version and added the whole wheat flour but will try adding some extras in my next loaf. Thank you.

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