Easy as pie! diy tutorial for panera’s iconic asiago cheese bread
What To Know
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
- To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Indulge in the delectable aroma and irresistible taste of Panera’s Asiago Cheese Bread with this comprehensive guide. Learn the secrets behind this iconic bakery treat, from gathering the finest ingredients to shaping and baking it to perfection.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) shredded Asiago cheese
Instructions: Shaping and Baking
1. Proofing the Yeast:
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy and active.
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Combining the Liquids:
Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punching Down and Shaping:
Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
7. Scoring and Baking:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, score the tops of the loaves diagonally. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Tips for Perfect Asiago Cheese Bread
- Use high-quality Asiago cheese for the best flavor.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and give the bread a chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure proper fermentation.
- Score the loaves before baking to allow steam to escape and create a crispy crust.
- Bake the bread until it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).
Variations: Exploring Different Flavors
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a savory twist.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the loaves before baking for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Use herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the aroma.
Storing and Reheating
- Store the Asiago Cheese Bread at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
The Final Touch: Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Asiago Cheese Bread warm with your favorite soup or salad.
- Cut it into slices and top it with butter or olive oil for a simple yet satisfying snack.
- Use it as a bread roll for sandwiches or burgers.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon (2.5g) of instant yeast instead of active dry yeast.
Q: What if I don’t have a kitchen scale?
A: Use measuring cups and convert the ingredients to volume measurements. For example, 1 cup of all-purpose flour is equivalent to 120g.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
