Cheddar Apple & Veggie Bundt Bread Recipe – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cheddar Apple & Veggie Bundt Bread Recipe – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a real showstopper. This Cheddar Apple & Veggie Bundt Bread is seriously good. It’s savory, comforting, and just a little bit different from your everyday loaf. I first made this for a potluck and it disappeared fast. Get ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average bread recipe. It’s packed with flavor from the cheddar, apple, and a colorful mix of veggies. The bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape, making it perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or even as a side with soup. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies too!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 3 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (approx. 385g)
• 2 tsp Red Star quick rise instant yeast (approx. 6g)
• 1 tsp salt (approx. 5g)
• 5.3 tbsp butter (approx. 74g), plus extra for greasing
• ?? cup 2% milk (approx. 120ml)
• 1 Jumbo egg
• 1 tsp oil
• ?? cup chopped red bell peppers (approx. 60g)
• ?? cup chopped green bell peppers (approx. 60g)
• ?? cup + 1 tbsp chopped green onions (approx. 65g)
• 1 chopped green apple
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (approx. 115g)
• 1 ?? tsp coarsely crushed black pepper (approx. 7g)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ?? tbsp cumin seeds (approx. 7g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe special.

• Quick-Rise Yeast: I love using quick-rise yeast because it cuts down on the rising time. No need to wait around all day! If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to activate it first.
• Red & Green Bell Peppers: The combination of red and green bell peppers isn’t just for looks. They add a subtle sweetness and a lovely visual appeal. Feel free to swap in yellow or orange if you prefer!
• Green Apple: Don’t skip the apple! It adds a wonderful tartness that balances the richness of the cheese. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can experiment with different types. In some parts of India, paneer is used in savory breads for a similar texture and flavor. Feel free to try it!
• Regional Variations: Bread making in India varies hugely by region. Some breads use whole wheat flour, others incorporate spices like ajwain or nigella seeds. Cheese preferences also differ – you might find variations using local cheeses.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Warm things up: Heat the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute, until melted and lukewarm. Don’t overheat it – you want it warm, not scalding.
2. Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, salt, milk mixture, egg, and butter. Knead with the dough hook until a smooth dough forms. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead by hand – it’ll just take a little more elbow grease!
3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Prep the Veggies & Cheese: While the dough is rising, chop your bell peppers, green onions, and apple. Grate the cheddar cheese and mix it together in a bowl with the black pepper, thyme, and cumin seeds.
5. Grease the Pan: Generously grease a bundt pan. This is important – you don’t want the bread to stick!
6. Layer & Incorporate: Layer a portion of the veggie-cheese mixture at the bottom of the bundt pan. After the first rise, gently incorporate the remaining veggie-spice mixture into the dough. Shape the dough into a log and place it in the prepared bundt pan.
7. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for about 1 hour, or until it reaches the rim of the pan.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the greasing step! A well-greased bundt pan is your best friend.
• If the dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
• For a richer flavor, brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for vegan butter, the milk for plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). Use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This one’s a bit trickier. I recommend using a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works well. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little heat, increase the cumin seeds or add a pinch of chili flakes to the veggie-cheese mixture.
• Festival Adaptations: Savory breads are popular during many Indian festivals. You could add a touch of asafoetida (hing) to the dough for a traditional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side of chutney or a dollop of yogurt. It’s also fantastic with a warm bowl of dal or a spicy curry.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

FAQs

What type of flour is best for this bundt bread?

All-purpose flour works great! You can also experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture.

Can I use a different cheese than cheddar?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You can bake this bread in a loaf pan, but it won’t have the same shape.

How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?

Definitely! Cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage would be a tasty addition.