cheesy italian bread wedges

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (1 ounce) packages dry italian-style salad dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese

Recipe

Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Ready Time: 2 hrs 55 mins


• dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a bowl. let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
• combine yeast mixture with vegetable oil, salt, and half the flour in a large mixing bowl; stir mixture until no dry spots remain. stir in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. when the dough has pulled together, turn it out a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about at least 2 hours.
• preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
• place risen dough into an 8x8-inch square baking pan. cover the top of the dough with italian salad dressing mix and sprinkle loaf with oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• bake in preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes. about 5 minutes before bread is finished baking, sprinkle the loaf with colby-monterey jack cheese; bake until cheese has melted. cut into wedges and serve warm.