Bramble's Apple-Cheddar Hearth Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup warm low-fat milk, about 105°F to 110°F
• 1 cup crisp sweet-tart apple, cored and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• Cooking spray or additional oil for the bowl

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Add the egg, oil, honey, and warm milk. Mix until no dry flour remains, then knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.

3. 3

   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until doubled.

4. 4

   Turn the dough onto parchment paper and pat it into a 9-by-13-inch rectangle.

5. 5

   Scatter the diced apple and cheddar over the center, leaving a 2-inch border along both long sides. Fold the long sides over the filling and pinch the center seam and ends closed.

6. 6

   Cut the filled dough crosswise into 1-inch strips without separating them, then cut lengthwise into 1-inch sections so the loaf forms small pull-apart squares.

7. 7

   Transfer the dough and parchment to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Cover and rise for 30 to 40 minutes, until visibly puffy.

8. 8

   Heat the oven to 350°F during the final 20 minutes of rising.

9. 9

   Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until evenly browned and the center reaches at least 190°F.

10. 10

    Cool for 10 minutes before pulling apart. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days; reheat gently before serving.