CHEDDAR BACON BREAD

Cheddar Bacon Bread image

Provided by Leslie Speed Dutton

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 1/2 c flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp butter, softened, for dough mixture
1 Tbsp butter, softened, for top of loaf, more if needed
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 3/4 c buttermilk
1/2 lb bacon, thick sliced

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease two 5 x 9 loaf pans.
2. In a large frying pan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain excess grease on paper towels. Cut strips up into bite size pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowel, sift salt, baking soda and flour together.
4. With your fingers, combine 2 tbsp. of butter until thoroughly combined. It should look like sand. Stir in cheese and bacon until well mixed. Add buttermilk until dough just comes together.
5. Divid dough evenly between both loaf pans. Smooth tops of dough. With a knife, cut a thin slice down the center of each loaf. Thinly slice remaining butter and put in the slices, using more if needed.
6. Bake until tops are golden brown and a tester comes out clean, approximately 25 - 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy! :o)