Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, 2 cups of the all-purpose flour (save the rest), rosemary, yeast, and salt. After the ingredients are well mixed, add the cubed Parmesan cheese. Gently toss in the Parmesan cheese until it’s coated with flour.

Step 3

Pour in the warm water and use a spoon to stir the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Add more all-purpose flour if the dough is too wet. If there is residual flour in the bottom of the bowl, add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time until all the flour has been incorporated into the dough. The dough will appear rough and bumpy due to the rosemary and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until it smooths out a bit. If any cubes of cheese fall out, simply add them back to the dough as you knead. Place the dough into a large, lightly oiled bowl, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Transfer the bowl to a warm, draft-free area and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size (about 30 minutes to an hour). While the dough rises, place a large Dutch oven and its lid into the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.

Step 7

After the dough rises, transfer it to a large piece of parchment paper. Shape the dough into a tight ball and ensure it's centered on the parchment paper. Carefully place the parchment paper and dough into the hot Dutch oven and cover with the hot lid. Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees, and bake for 40 minutes then remove the lid.

Step 9

After 40 minutes, remove the lid, add the additional shredded cheese and rosemary if using, and return the bread to the oven to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.