There has been a lot of baking and a lot bread making at my house lately, mostly sourdough. There are times, however,when  I get hankering for something cheesy or a little more celebratory or festive. I often make this for a casual lunch with soup or for a barbecue where guests can help themselves by breaking off a ball from the loaf. Use dried thyme as it has a stronger flavour and a sharp cheddar if you like a really cheesy flavour.

Bake in a sandwich/ sponge tin or create a free form loaf by pushing the balls together on a tray

The dough can be shaped into a loaf.

The loaf slices well and can be frozen.

Cheese and Thyme Pull Apart Loaf

2 cups flour 2 cups wholemeal flour 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon dried yeast 1 cup grated tasty cheese or more ½ cup parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons dried thyme Optional - ½ cup powdered milk 1 tablespoon oil 2 cups warm water

Bread Glaze 1 egg 1 tablespoon water Lightly whisk egg and water together in small bowl.

Method

Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cheeses, thyme and powdered milk if using in a large bowl.

Pour in oil and most of the water and mix thoroughly. The dough should be moist and soft but not sticky.  If necessary add the remaining liquid / extra water until a soft dough is formed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board or bench top and knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Return dough to a clean and lightly oiled bowl.

Cover with plastic film or enclose in a large plastic bag and leave to prove until dough has doubled in size.

Turn dough out onto board or bench and “knock back” to original size.  Lightly knead again and then use to make a loaf of bread, rolls or pull apart.

Shape loaf or rolls and allow the dough to prove again.

To Make Pull Apart

Divide dough into sixteen even sized balls.  I bake them in a lightly oiled sandwich/sponge tins. For each tin place a ball in the centre of the tin and arrange seven balls around the centre ball.

Glaze with bread glaze and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Bake loaves in a hot oven (200 deg C) until  golden brown. Approximately 30  to 40 minutes.