Garlic Fontina Bread

Name: Garlic Fontina Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 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 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons shortening; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons shredded fontina cheese, divided; 1-1/2 teaspoons canola oil

With its golden brown color and soft texture, this bread is a must at any family meal. It's a modified version of a traditional white bread recipe my brother gave me. Try it as garlic bread toast, on grilled sandwiches or enjoy as is. —Cindy Ryan, St. Johns, Michigan

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons shortening
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons shredded fontina cheese, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons canola oil

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, shortening, garlic powder, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Shape into two loaves. Place in two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Brush with oil and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.