Before You Start
Proofing bread dough is a very important step in making bread. It gives the yeast a chance to grow and gives volume and great flavor to the dough. Yeast is a living organism, so make sure the yeast you are using is fresh by “proving” it is still active and alive. If the yeast does not bubble or become foamy when allowed to sit when mixed with water, you may need to purchase new yeast.
The bread is done baking once it reaches an internal temperature of 93°C. The use of the included oven probe or a digital thermometer can assist with evaluating if your bread is completely baked. You can find a thermometer at most kitchen supply stores.
This dough can be made the day before and proofed in your refrigerator overnight (8–12 hours). If you choose to do this, skip ahead to filling and rounding the dough by removing the dough from the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature, then pressing it out to fill. Proceed with the recipe directions.
If you have the Wolf warming drawer, you can also proof the dough on Proof Mode at 30°C for the same time in the warming drawer.
Make sure to proof in a bowl large enough to allow the dough to double in size as it rises. Vital wheat gluten can be found at most local grocery stores and can often be found in the health food section. This recipe can still be made without the vital wheat gluten by replacing the 28 grams with additional bread flour, but it greatly improves the gluten development of the bread, giving it that soft chewy structure.
1. Combine water and yeast in a small mixing bowl and set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble and foam.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the flour, kosher salt, sugar, shortening and butter.
3. Mix together with a paddle attachment for 1 minute.
4. Switch to a dough hook and add in the milk and egg along with the water and yeast mixture.
5. Mix for 2 more minutes on 1st speed.
6. Turn the mixer up to 2nd speed and continue to mix for 12–14 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and gets very smooth looking. This could take longer than 14 minutes and any additional mixing will not hurt the development of the dough.
7. Turn the mixer up to 3rd speed and mix for 30 seconds.
8. Remove the dough from the mixer and place in a well-oiled or sprayed bowl. The dough will double in size so make sure you choose a bowl that is large enough.
9. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel.
10. Preheat the oven to 30°C on Proof Mode with a rack set on position 3.
11. Place towel covered bowl into the oven and proof for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
12. Remove the dough from the oven, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide the dough in half.
13. Round each piece into a smooth ball and let the dough balls rest on the counter for 10–15 minutes, covered with a damp kitchen towel.
14. Gently pat each dough ball out into a square.
15. Divide the cheddar, asiago, chilies and red pepper flakes between the two squares and place on top.
16. Pull the corners of the dough to the center to cover the filling.
17. Turn the dough over and gently round into a tight ball again, being careful not to let the filling break through the dough.
18. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and place back in the oven on Proof Mode at 30°C for another 35–40 minutes, till the loaves are almost doubled in size.
19. Test the proofed dough with your finger. It should just hold the indentation of your finger without the dough deflating.
20. Remove from the oven and let the pan rest on the counter.
21. Preheat the oven to 190°C on Bake Mode with a rack still set on position 3.
22. Make an egg wash by whisking the remaining egg and water together and gently brush each loaf, then sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes and cheese.
23. Bake on the center rack for 30–35 minutes until the center of the loaf reaches an internal temperature of 98°C.
24. Cool loaves completely before slicing.