Westcombe Cheddar and Chilli Bread

How to make it

Westcombe Cheddar is has a fantastic powerful taste which is what you need in a cheese when paired with chilli. The flavour combination in this bread recipe creates rich and earthy tones that is melt-in-your-mouth gorgeous. Serve warm with a knob of butter.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast and water then add your flour.
• Once combined, add salt and olive oil.
• If you’re mixing by hand, slowly stretch and combine until the mixture begins to form a wet dough. If you’re mixing with a mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 2-3 minutes
• Add the chillies, 100g of the Westcombe Cheddar, and about half of the Parmesan.
• Mix for another 2 minutes.
• Cover and leave to rise at room temperature for 2 – 2.5 hours, until it doubles in size
• Turn the mixture onto a floured surface and shape into a rectangle
• With the short side facing you, fold in the top right corner to the bottom left, and the top left corner to the bottom right making a triangle
• Take the top of the triangle and fold into the bottom of the triangle using your thumbs to roll the seam underneath. continue to take the top of the triangle until the seam is folded in completely
• Slowly spin the loaf on the worktop shaping it into a round and using your palms to stretch inperfections underneath the loaf
• Cover bowl in oiled clingfilm and leave to rise
• Transfer to a baking tray
• Slash the top of the loaf with a cross, approx 1 inch deep
• Pre-heat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 5.
• Brush the top with an egg beaten with a pinch of salt, then sprinkle on the remaining Westcombe cheddar and Parmesan
• Bake it for 40-50 minutes, until it’s got a dark golden roof and is hollow sounding when knocked
• Allow to cool then cut and serve warm.