Cheesy Italian Bread Wedges

Bake up a fresh loaf of Italian-inspired bread flavored with herbs and cheese. It's perfect for dipping in ranch or marinara sauce, or just for mopping your plate.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 243 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 2 (1 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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 onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.