Muenster Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 4 cups (1 pound) shredded Muenster cheese
• 1 egg white, beaten

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Add the butter, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• In a large bowl, beat egg and yolk; stir in cheese. Punch down dough; roll into a 16-in. circle.
• Place in a greased 9-in. round baking pan, letting dough drape over the edges. Spoon the cheese mixture into center of dough. Gather dough up over filling in 1-1/2-in. pleats. Gently squeeze pleats together at top and twist to make a top knot. Allow to rise 10-15 minutes.
• Brush loaf with egg white. Bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Serve warm. Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).

Muenster Bread published in Taste of Home April/May 1995, p27