Kittencal's Cheddar Loaves Or Buns

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup full-fat milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 cups flour (more if needed)
• 2 cups old cheddar cheese (grated)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided, can use more)

Recipe

• 1 prepare a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader blade attachment.
• 2 in a small saucepan heat the milk with butter and salt (the sugar will be proofed with the yeast) until the milk is warmed and the butter is melted; remove from stove top and cool to lukewarm (i stick the saucepan in the fridge for about 20 minutes).
• 3 proof 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry yeast in 1-1/2 cups warm water with 2 tablespoons sugar until foamy (about 8-10 minutes).
• 4 place 4-1/2 cups flour in the stainless steel mixing bowl.
• 5 when the milk mixture is luke warm and the yeast is proofed add to the mixing bowl.
• 6 start kneading adding in more flour if needed to create a soft smooth dough; knead for about 8 minutes.
• 7 the last couple of minutes of kneading add in the grated cheddar cheese; mix until combined with the dough.
• 8 remove the dough to the counter; cover with a clean towel and let rest about 5 minutes.
• 9 gather up the dough and shape into a ball.
• 10 place in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, then let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
• 11 punch down the dough and let rest covered for about 5-6 minutes.
• 12 divide the dough evenly in half and shape into two oval loaves.
• 13 place the two loaves onto a large greased baking sheet (leaving room between the dough).
• 14 cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
• 15 in a small bowl mix together the egg and water; brush liberally onto the top and sides of the dough (you will have some egg mixture leftover).
• 16 bake in a 400 degree oven for about 23 minutes or until lighly golden brown; remov quickly sprinkle with grated cheese, place back into the oven and bake until browned (another 3-5 minutes).