Cheesy Italian Bread Wedges

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (1 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a bowl. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

Combine yeast mixture with vegetable oil, salt, and half the flour in a large mixing bowl; stir mixture until no dry spots remain. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Place risen dough into an 8×8-inch square baking pan. Cover the top of the dough with Italian salad dressing mix and sprinkle loaf with oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Bake in preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes. About 5 minutes before bread is finished baking, sprinkle the loaf with Colby-Monterey Jack cheese; bake until cheese has melted. Cut into wedges and serve warm.