Rustic Charm: Sourdough Loaf with Roasted Garlic Beer Cheese Spread

Welcome to my cozy kitchen corner, where today we're embracing the art of baking with a recipe that infuses classic comfort with gourmet flair. Dive into the world of tangy sourdough and discover how to elevate it with a rich, creamy beer cheese spread tinged with the sweet, caramel notes of roasted garlic.

Ingredients:

For the Sourdough Loaf:

• 1 cup “fed” sourdough starter
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting

For the Roasted Garlic Beer Cheese Spread:

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup beer (lager or ale preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Sourdough Loaf:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, water, and salt. Gradually add the flour until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size, about 4 to 6 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a dutch oven inside.
5. Place the dough onto a parchment paper, shape it into a loaf, and score the top with a sharp knife.
6. Carefully place the dough with parchment paper into the heated dutch oven. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let the loaf cool before slicing.

For the Roasted Garlic Beer Cheese Spread:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for about 35-40 minutes until caramelized and soft.
3. Allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze out the cloves into a mixing bowl.
4. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, Gruyère, beer, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Serve the sourdough bread sliced with a generous helping of the beer cheese spread.

The allure of sourdough lies in its complex flavors and rustic texture, making it the perfect canvas for our beer cheese spread. Sourdough's tanginess pairs beautifully with the deep flavors of roasted garlic, while the creaminess of the spread is a delightful contrast to the bread's chewy crust. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises to guide you to a truly satisfying creation.

Gather your ingredients and embark on this baking journey. The result is not just a loaf of bread but a memorable experience that you can share with loved ones or savor in a quiet moment with a cup of tea. Happy baking!