I like to make this when it’s just my husband and I or I’m making a meal for a very small family. You can leave the cheese out if you want. It is still good.
SMALL LOAF CHEESE FRENCH BREAD
(1 small loaf)
Ingredients:
*1/4 cup warm water (105-110 degrees)
*1 teaspoon dry active yeast
*1/2 teaspoon sugar
*2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup warm water
*3 slices mozzarella cheese
*Olive oil
*sea salt (optional)
*sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
~In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup water, yeast and sugar.
~Allow to sit until yeast has proofed (bubbly/foamy) about 5-10 minutes.
~In a large mixing bowl, add in flour, salt, and yeast mixture.
~Stir for about 30 seconds.
~Add in remaining water and using the dough hook (or do this by hand) mix until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
~Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead dough for a minute or two (dough should be smooth and soft).
~Form dough into a ball.
~Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil ( or vegetable oil or butter).
~Place dough into bowl, making sure all sides are lightly coated with olive oil.
~Cover with a damp clean towel and allow dough to rise in a warm draft free area for about 30 minutes or until it’s doubled in size.
~Place dough onto a lightly floured surface.
~Roll out dough into about into a rectangle (about 8×6 inches).
~Place the cheese on the dough, leaving at least a 1/2 space around the edges of the bread.
~Roll dough into a log lengthwise.
~Tuck in the ends.
~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or spay the pan with cooking spray).
~Place a clean damp cloth over it and allow to rise for 25-30 minutes.
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Using a sharp knife or razor blade, cut 3 to 4 diagonal shallow slits in bread (about 1/4 inch).
~Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over top of bread and using a pastry brush gently spread it over the top.
~Sprinkle a little sea salt and sesame seeds over the top (optional).
~Bake 18-22 minutes, or until bread is done and a light golden brown.
~Cool before cutting.