Asiago-Crusted Skillet Bread

Instructions

1. *No need to grease the bowl, and do not use a mixer in this step because the dough is too sticky for a mixer.* In a large bowl, stir together the bread flour, salt, pepper, yeast, and garlic. Add 1 cup (100g) of the cheese and stir until combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the warm water. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, mix to combine. The dough will be shaggy and pretty sticky. If it’s extremely wet, add another 2 Tablespoons of flour. Gently shape the dough into a ball in the center of the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly. Allow to rise for 3-3.5 hours at room temperature. See Make Ahead Instructions if you want to extend this time.
2. Grease a 10- to 12-inch oven-safe skillet with oil, butter, or nonstick spray. Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface and, using floured hands, shape into a ball as best you can. Doesn’t have to be perfect. Place dough in the skillet, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes as the oven preheats.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
4. Using a very sharp knife or bread lame (you could even use kitchen shears), gently score a slash or X into the surface of the dough, about 1/2 inch deep. (“Score” = shallow cut.) Top the bread with the remaining 1/4 cup (25g) asiago cheese, pressing it lightly into the surface so it sticks.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. How to test for doneness: Give the warm bread a light tap. If it sounds hollow, it’s done. For a more accurate test, the bread is done when an instant-read thermometer reads the center of the loaf as 195°F (90°C).
6. Remove skillet from the oven, carefully remove the bread from the skillet, and allow to cool on a cooling rack for 20 minutes before slicing.
7. Cover and store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.