Bread Machine - Cheddar Bay Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water (warm, around 110°F)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened or melted)
• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (or one packet)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Pour the water into the bread pan.
• Add the butter, bread flour, sugar, and salt to the pan.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder over the dry ingredients.
• Make a small well in the center of the flour (not reaching the liquid) and add the yeast.
• Choose the "Basic" or "White Bread" cycle.
• Select the crust color (light, medium, or dark) according to your preference.
• Set the loaf size to 1.5 lbs or 2 lbs (if applicable).
• Start the bread machine and let it mix, knead, and bake the dough.
• Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan
• Brush top of breadh with Garlic Butter Topping
• Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.