Colorful Cheddar Fugassa Bread
Colorful Cheddar Fugassa Bread is a vibrant and flavorful artisanal loaf that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions and bell peppers with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. This bread, with its beautiful array of red, yellow, and green peppers, not only pleases the eye but also delights the palate. It's perfect for summer entertaining, serving as an ideal accompaniment to cold cuts, refreshing pasta salads, or chilled soups. The addition of texture and flavor from the cheese and vegetables makes this bread a standout choice at any meal.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
bell peppers
1 1/2 cups (chopped (combination of colors recommended))
dry yeast
1 (2 teaspoon) package
lukewarm water
1 1/4 cups ((110°F))
salt
1 teaspoon
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon
unbleached all-purpose flour
4 cups ((or 3 cups white and 1 cup whole wheat))
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
coarse sea salt
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and chopped bell peppers, cooking slowly until the onions become transparent and caramelized. This process enhances their sweetness. Once cooked, set the mixture aside to cool to lukewarm.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Then, add salt, sugar, 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooled pepper-onion mixture. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon or mixer for about 2 minutes until well combined.
3
Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a dough forms that is stiff enough to knead. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead in the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, leaving large streaks of cheese visible throughout the dough for added texture.
5
Shape the dough into a ball and flatten the top slightly. Place it on a well-greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise for an additional 45 minutes until puffy.
6
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with cold water and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if desired. Using a sharp knife, make three slits about 1/2-inch deep across the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape.
7
For a crisp crust, create steam in the oven by placing 2 cups of ice cubes on the oven floor just after placing the bread in, or alternatively, use a pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf.
8
Bake the fugassa bread in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the baking sheet and cool it on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Cheddar Fugassa Bread?
It is a vibrant, artisanal loaf featuring caramelized onions, bell peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese.
What types of peppers are used in this recipe?
A combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers is recommended for a colorful presentation.
Can I use whole wheat flour for this bread?
Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
How long does the first rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
What is the purpose of caramelizing the onions and peppers?
Caramelizing them slowly in olive oil enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do I achieve a crisp crust on the bread?
You can create steam by placing 2 cups of ice cubes on the oven floor or using a pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf.
Why should I score the top of the loaf?
Making three 1/2-inch deep slits allows steam to escape during the baking process.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese to provide a bold, savory flavor.
How much yeast is required for the dough?
One 2-teaspoon package of dry yeast is needed for this bread.
What temperature should the water be for dissolving the yeast?
The water should be lukewarm, specifically around 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
When do I add the cheese to the dough?
One cup is mixed in during the initial dough formation, and the second cup is kneaded in after the first rise.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How long is the second rise period?
The second rise takes approximately 45 minutes until the dough is puffy.
Should I brush the bread with anything before baking?
Yes, brush the top of the loaf with cold water just before putting it in the oven.
Is sugar necessary in this bread recipe?
One tablespoon of granulated sugar is used to feed the yeast and enhance the flavor.
What should I do with the vegetable mixture before adding it to the yeast?
Ensure the sautéed onion and pepper mixture has cooled to a lukewarm temperature.
Can I use a mixer to combine the ingredients?
Yes, you can use a mixer or a wooden spoon to beat the initial ingredients for about 2 minutes.
How much flour is used in total?
The recipe uses 4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
It is ideal for serving with cold cuts, pasta salads, or chilled soups.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What kind of salt should I use for the topping?
Coarse sea salt is recommended for sprinkling on top of the loaf before baking.
Why should I leave streaks of cheese in the dough?
Leaving large streaks of cheese adds texture and visual appeal to the finished bread.
How much bell pepper is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chopped bell peppers.
What if my dough is too sticky to knead?
Gradually add more flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
How long should the bread cool after baking?
It should be cooled on a wire rack to allow air circulation and maintain the crust texture.
Does this recipe yield more than one loaf?
This recipe is designed to produce one large artisanal loaf.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being sautéed.
Is this bread suitable for summer entertaining?
Yes, its vibrant colors and savory flavors make it perfect for summer meals and outdoor parties.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with other shredded hard cheeses if desired.