Maple Glazed Breakfast Bread

Ingredients For the Bread:

  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 eggs (from Schachts Farm)
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup (from Burton’s)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (from Ludwig Farmstead or Trader’s Point)
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (from Smoking Goose)
  • 1/4 cup minced chives (check with Harvestland Farm)

Ingredients For the Glaze:

  • 6 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Preparation:

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the milk and heat to 110F. Pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Stir and let stand for 5 minutes; then whisk in the eggs.
  2. Pour the flour, maple syrup, and baking soda into the egg mixture and beat on low until you have a stiff batter. Stir in the cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives.
  3. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and spread the batter into it. Cover and let rise for about 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375F. Bake the loaf for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool.
  4. While the bread is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar and the maple syrup until smooth.
  5. Pour the maple glaze over the cooled loaf.

This hearty breakfast bread is a wonderful combination of sweet and savory. The bacon adds a richness that is enhanced by the cheddar cheese, while the sweet maple glaze is a delicate complement. On top of being satisfying and delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make and keeps very well for subsequent meals.