Italian Cheese Bread

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 15 min.

Yield 1 loaf (16 pieces)

People are astounded to learn that I can make my brother-in-law's Italian cheese bread in less than an hour. This recipe is a delicious and easy alternative to garlic toast. I'll sometimes use this bread as a snack or appetizer. —Sandra Wingert, Star City, Saskatchewan

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon quick-rise yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (120° to 130°)
1 tablespoon canola oil
TOPPING:
1/4 to 1/3 cup prepared Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Dash pepper
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Beat in water and oil until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 1-2 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°.
Punch dough down; place on a greased 12-in. pizza pan and pat into a 12-in. circle. Brush with salad dressing. Combine seasonings; sprinkle over top. Sprinkle with cheeses.
Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 171 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.