Certainly! Let’s delve into the delightful world of creating Cream Cheese and Chive Bread, a yeast bread that marries the creamy richness of cream cheese with the fresh, mild zest of chives. This recipe, a favorite among bread enthusiasts, offers an easy-to-follow process suitable for weeknight baking and perfect for those who cherish the simplicity and convenience of a bread machine. Here’s an in-depth exploration of this recipe, complete with ingredient details, preparation steps, nutritional information, and serving suggestions.
Cream Cheese and Chive Bread
Description
This Cream Cheese and Chive Bread recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. Perfect for any meal, it combines the tangy, smooth taste of cream cheese with the subtle, aromatic freshness of chives. Ideal for use with a bread machine, this recipe yields a 1 1/2 lb loaf, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or as a savory addition to your brunch table.
Ingredients
For this bread, you’ll need a combination of basic baking ingredients and some special additions to enhance flavor and texture:
- 3/4 cup of water
- The water should be at room temperature to ensure proper yeast activation.
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and incorporation into the dough.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
- Sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also feeds the yeast, aiding in the fermentation process.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of chives
- Fresh chives are preferred, finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the bread.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt
- Salt enhances the overall flavor and regulates yeast activity.
- 3 cups of bread flour
- Bread flour is essential for the desired texture and structure, providing the necessary gluten content.
- 2 teaspoons of yeast
- Active dry yeast or bread machine yeast can be used for this recipe.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
This bread is incredibly easy to prepare, especially with a bread machine:
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Add all ingredients to the bread machine in the specified order:
- Begin with water, then add the softened cream cheese.
- Sprinkle the sugar and chives over the liquid ingredients.
- Add the salt and then carefully pour in the bread flour, ensuring it covers the liquid ingredients.
- Finally, create a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast. This ensures the yeast doesn’t activate prematurely.
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Bake on the sweet cycle:
- Select the sweet cycle on your bread machine, which typically provides a gentle bake that enhances the creamy and aromatic components of the bread.
- Allow the bread machine to complete its cycle, which should take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, including kneading, rising, and baking.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content is crucial for those monitoring their diet:
- Calories: 1245.3 kcal per loaf
- Fat: 29.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 17.4 g
- Cholesterol: 85.1 mg
- Sodium: 2176.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 207.6 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 13.5 g
- Protein: 33.8 g
Tips and Variations
To make the most out of this recipe, consider the following tips and variations:
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Herb Variations:
- Experiment with different herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles.
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Cheese Variations:
- Substitute part of the cream cheese with shredded cheddar or parmesan for a more robust cheese flavor.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of this bread with a creamy soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Toast slices and top with smoked salmon and a dollop of cream cheese for a gourmet breakfast.
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Storage:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices and toasting them as needed.
Reviews and Ratings
This recipe boasts an impressive aggregated rating of 5 stars, based on 17 reviews, reflecting its popularity and success among home bakers. Reviewers particularly praise the bread’s moist texture and the delightful balance of flavors provided by the cream cheese and chives.
Final Thoughts
Creating Cream Cheese and Chive Bread is a rewarding experience, offering a blend of simplicity and gourmet taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and satisfying, providing a versatile loaf that can be enjoyed in various culinary contexts. From enhancing your weeknight dinners to serving as a special brunch item, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Indulge in the joy of baking this delightful bread, and relish the compliments it will undoubtedly bring to your table. Happy baking!
