CHEESY ITALIAN BREAD

Cheesy Italian Bread image

This crusty bread is as big a treat today as it was when Mom made it back when I was growing up. It goes so well with an Italian meal or alongside a big bowl of soup. -Cookie Curci, San Jose, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounces) active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Cornmeal

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, garlic salt, and cheese. Beat until smooth. 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. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each half into a 14-in. loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Brush loaves with water. Make three diagonal slashes about 1/2 in. deep with a very sharp knife in each loaf. , Fill a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan with 1 in. of hot water and place on the bottom oven rack. Bake bread at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 54 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 120mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.