Ham and Cheese Bread

Many years ago my family used to get a magazine called "Food and Family" that was run by Kraft Foods. In one issue they had a recipe for ham and cheddar baked into a loaf of bread. It was a hit in my family and we have been tweaking the recipe and making it our own since. 


And here is it my famous Ham and Cheese Bread. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 package active dry yeast
3 ounces unsalted butter, melted (Approximately 1 stick butter)
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil
1 pound ham thinly sliced
1 package sliced cheese of your choice (provolone, muenster, pepper jack, etc.)
1 whole egg beaten with one tablespoon cold water
Coarse sea
Parmesan cheese
Directions
Combine the water, sugar, yeast, and butter in the bowl until
combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.


Add the salt and flour and mix  until combined. Continue kneading
until the dough is smooth  about 3 to 4 minutes. If the dough appears
too wet, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Remove the
dough from the bowl, place on a flat surface and knead into a ball
with your hands.


Oil a bowl with vegetable oil, add the dough and turn to coat with the
oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot
until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.


Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.


Remove dough from bowl and place on lightly floured surface. Using a
rolling pin, roll into a large rectangle. Add ham on top of dough
covering almost to the edges. Add cheese on top of the ham. Fold dough
over lengthwise so the edges barely overlap. Moisten all edges with
water to seal them. Carefully turn dough over and place edge side down
on a greased cookie sheet. Cut three slits in the top to allow it to
vent. Brush egg on top and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and salt. Bake
for approximately 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.


Cut into slices and enjoy with your favorite condiments.

It goes fast!!

Special thanks to my brother for taking these nice pictures for me.