Italian Cheese Bread

So this is really just a cheese pizza, but that's okay.  We can still call it Italian Cheese Bread, right?  

My whole family loves this stuff.  It's dee-licious.  Not to mention easy.  I'm thinking it could make some great breadsticks, if you  made it in a cookie sheet or something.  

Recipe: (from Tammy's Recipes)

Bread:

2-1/2 to 3 cups flour, (whole wheat, all-purpose, or bread flour)

1 t. salt

1 t. sugar

1 T. active dry yeast

1 c. warm water (110-115°)

1 T. olive oil

Topping:

1/4 c. prepared Ranch or Italian dressing (I've only used Ranch)

1/8 t. salt

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. ground oregano

1/4 t. dried thyme

Dash pepper

1-2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

• In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients.
• Combine water and oil; add to flour mixture.  Add additional flour if needed to form a soft dough.  Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 3-4 minutes or until smooth and elastic (or use Kitchen Aid Mixer)
• Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top.  Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.  (Optional: if in a hurry, just skip this rise)
• Punch dough down; place on a greased 12-16" pizza pan and pat into a circle.  Brush with salad dressing (use the back of a spoon)
• Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over top.  Sprinkle with cheeses.
• For a fluffier cheese bread, at this point allow the bread to rest for 15 minutes or so.  If you're in a hurry, just skip this rise.  Bread will still rise in oven.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F.  Bake for 11-15 minutes or until golden brown (12 minutes for me). 
• Slice into 8-12 slices. Serve warm. 

This post is linked to Finding Joy in My Kitchen - Countdown to 2011: Breads.

Check it out to see other delicious breads!