Prosciutto Bread

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/e_P5w4f7zfo

Yields: 2 loaves     Prep time: 3.5 hours      Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. of Prosciutto 
• 3 oz. of Soppessatta 
• 3 oz. of Pepperoni 
• 5 oz. of Provolone cheese 
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour 
• ¼ oz. of dry yeast 
• 1 tbsp. of salt 
• 6 oz. of lager (room temperature) 
• 3 oz. of water (room temperature) 
• 1.5 oz. of olive oil 
• 1 tsp. of black pepper 
• 3 oz. of grated Pecorino Romano cheese 
• 2 tbsp. of cornmeal

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Meat and Cheese: Instruct your local deli to slice the cured meat and provolone cheese to a thickness of ¼ inch. Subsequently, dice both the meat and cheese into small pieces. 

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Mix thoroughly. 

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually incorporate room temperature lager and water into the dry ingredients. Finally, add olive oil and mix for 8 minutes. 

4. Incorporate Flavorings: Add black pepper, grated Romano cheese, and the diced meat and provolone to the dough. Mix for 1 minute. 

5. Knead the Dough: Remove the dough from the bowl and knead vigorously until the meat and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the dough. 

6. First Rise: Shape the dough into a large ball and place it in a bowl lightly greased with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for 2 hours in a warm, draft-free location. 

7. Shape the Loaves: Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into two equal halves. Gently flatten each half and then roll them into two loaves. 

8. Second Rise: Sprinkle cornmeal generously on a baking sheet. Place the loaves on the prepared sheet pan, cover them with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow them to rise for 60 minutes. 

9. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes, or until they develop a deep golden-brown crust. 

10. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing and enjoying.