Introduction: Bacon Cheddar Bread
In this instructable I will show you how to make this delicious bacon cheddar bread that goes perfect with any dinner. I also love using it to make next level grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients you will need:
3 c warm water
2 tsp instant yeast
2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 pack of bacon
2 c shredded cheese
6 c all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp black pepper
Step 1: Prep Your Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Stir ingredients and set aside for several minutes.
Step 2: Makin' Bacon
Cook the pack of bacon using your preferred method.
I have been known to use the microwave in a crunch, but my favorite way to make bacon is in the oven at 400° until done, which is usually about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Grate Cheese
Even though I will give you a pass about cooking bacon in the microwave, don't use the bagged cheese. The bagged cheese is never a substitute for the grate-it-yourself variety.
Step 4: Bring Back the Yeast!
Combine to your yeast mixture, 6 cups of flour, 1 cup of cheese and half of the bacon that has been broken up into pieces. Stir all of the ingredients until combined.
Next, add 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, mix in thoroughly.
Step 5: Proof the Dough
Cover your dough with a towel and sit in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours.
Step 6: Kneading the Dough
Knead your dough on a floured surface for a couple of minutes.
Step 7: Get Those Loaf Pans Out
Cut the dough in half, put in loaf pans and then top with 1 cup of cheese and the rest of the bacon pieces.
Step 8: Proof the Dough Pt. 2
Cover the dough with the towel again and place in a warm area for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Baking Time!
Put in a preheated 400° oven for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, loosely place aluminum foil on top of the loaves and lower the temperature down to 350° and bake for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for the last 10 minutes.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
I honestly don't know how many days this bread will last, because my family usually has both loaves eaten within a few days.
It goes great with any meal and it does make the best grilled cheese I have ever eaten.

Runner Up in the
Bread Challenge 2017
46 Comments
Question 7 months ago on Step 4
Can I use bread flour if it's all I have?
TIA!
6 years ago
I am planning on making this at the weekend, does anyone have a rough idea how much weight the cups of cheese equate to? Thanks
Reply 6 years ago
8 oz.
Reply 6 years ago
Excellent, thank you :)
6 years ago
Great recipe........I would use bacon-pepper jack or bacon -extra sharp cheddar LOL but that's just my palate talking^_^ Also I would add sugar to yeast then give it ten minutes or so to get growing then dump salt on their parade
6 years ago
Well, I've been making different types of bread for years, and I always wanted one of those ovens that had a proofing setting. Finally got one, and guess what -- it's just the oven light! EVERY oven with a light has proofing capabilities! Brings the temp up to 80 - 85 degrees -- ideal for proofing!
Reply 6 years ago
I've got a wood burning fire with stove top. So, in the winter, I've got plenty of heat to proof my bread. I've also got a (bottled) gas stove with an electric light for summer cooking. Never thought to use the light for proofing. Must give it a try. Thanks for the tip.
Reply 6 years ago
Great to know!
6 years ago
going to have to try this - just as soon as I can get some decent bacon and cheddar (when MOH gets back from his UK trip). Are you sure it will actually last a couple of days? In my home I very much doubt it. LOL
Reply 6 years ago
I guarantee it will last you a couple of dinners and at least two grilled cheeses...now after that, no guarantees :). You definitely have to save some to make a grilled cheese though.
Reply 6 years ago
what size are the pans?
Reply 6 years ago
9x5
6 years ago
I don't have a bread maker or a slow cooker. I love the old fashioned get your hands in it kind of cooking, the kind where you can smell it cooking, smell the yeast bread rising and knead it, chop the veggies, all hands on like grand mom used to do. Comfort food isn't always in the eating, it's a lot about the making. What's the rush? Take your time and enjoy the cooking experience.
Reply 6 years ago
I love the way you think...I rely on my slow cooker more than I care to admit.
Reply 6 years ago
I love that you said not to use the pre-shredded cheese. We must do our own, like Trump says "Make America Grate (great) again!" HA!
Reply 6 years ago
If I could get everyone to stop using the pre-shredded stuff in every recipe, I would :).
Reply 6 years ago
I find it so relaxing to cook the old fashioned way. I'm retired and have all the time in the world. Even when I was working, I never cooked fast. I have a microwave, but it's only for heating stuff up or cooking the occasional frozen meatless patties. I'm vegetarian, and my sweetie isn't, so I slow cook everything for him. He loves cheese, and bacon, and will love this bread. I'm going to surprise him with it this week:)
6 years ago
It does not happen often but my mouth watered after watching the video :) Hoping later in the spring to try this :)
Thanks, voted for you :)
Reply 6 years ago
Thank you! Let me know what you think of it when you do try it.
6 years ago
Next time you stay in a hotel take the free shower cap they give you. They are ideal for covering your dough while it proves.