Bacon Cheddar Bread

10 strips cooked thick cut bacon, chopped and divided
6 cups flour
3-1/4 cups warm water
2 tsp. instant yeast
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
2-3/4 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a large mixing bowl combine water, yeast, salt, and sugar.  Allow mixture to sit for several minutes.

2.  Add flour, 2 cups of cheese, 1/2 the bacon, and pepper.  Stir with spoon until combined.  Dough will be shaggy.  It will come together in the end. (I used my mixer)

3.  Cover with a towel and allow to raise in a warm place for an hour.

4.  After an hour, turn dough out onto a floured board and knead for a few minutes.  It doesn't need to be completely smooth.  Divide evenly into 2 loaf pans.

5.  Cover loaves with remaining cheese and bacon.  Cover loaves with towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

6.  Bake at 400℉ for 15 minutes.  Cover loosely with foil and reduce heat to 350℉.  Continue baking for about 25 more minutes.  Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes.

From A Beautiful Bite