Rosemary Cheese Bread

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, yeast, 3/4 cup of the cheese, and rosemary. Stir with a whisk. Slowly pour in the water. Stir with a wooden spoon until well blended and the dough forms into a ball.

Step 2

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it set on the counter overnight, 8-24 hours.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With well-floured hands, flatten the dough into a 9-inch circle, then fold it over onto itself and shape it into a ball. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl that is smaller than the Dutch oven you plan to bake it in. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4

Meanwhile, position the oven rack to the lower third of the oven and set a 4 to 6-quart Dutch oven on the rack. Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and remove the lid. Sprinkle the bottom of the Dutch oven generously with cornmeal. Carefully place the dough inside and sprinkle the top with remaining cornmeal. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and return it to the oven.

Step 6

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 -20 minutes. Turn the bread out of the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.