Nothing says “Madison Farmer’s Market” like Stella’s spicy cheese bread. If you’ve never had the chance to shove handfuls of this deliciousness into you’re mouth, you are missing out. In the summer, Capitol Square is packed full of people cradling delicious, warm bags of cheesy, doughy goodness.

I might go so far to say that this bread was the highlight of my college career.

Being in the real world means I can’t drop everything and jet off to Madison to get this bread whenever I feel like it. And I’m just not willing to shell out $8 + $9 shipping per loaf for it. Fortunately, a pretty tasty replica can be created in your own kitchen.

Spicy Cheese Bread

1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
8 ounces jalapeño cheese, cut into 1/4″ cubes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. Mix together the yeast and water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add sugar, garlic powder, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Mix in the butter and olive oil.
2. Knead in flour a little at a time by hand or with a stand mixer fit with a dough hook. Add the salt and knead for 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth. Knead in jalapeno cheese.
3. Grease a large bowl and place dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for two hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Grease a round cake pan and place dough inside. Gently press dough to pan edges. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes on bread. Bake for 30 minutes until bread is golden brown. Serve warm.

 

Photos in this post were taken by Rebecca Li