Cheddar Chive Bread

Name: Cheddar Chive Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup minced chives; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

"THIS BREAD is the perfect accompaniment to a piping-hot bowl of chili. In addition to a garnish of cheddar cheese on the chili, which Mom often added, we had her wonderful bread, chock-full of cheese flavor. Sometimes I'll make the dough into rolls or soft breadsticks."

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup minced chives
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the cheese, chives, butter, sugar, salt, thyme and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium for 3 minutes. 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.
Punch dough down. Shape into two loaves and place in greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on a wire rack.

If Cooking for Two: Wrap one loaf in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze.