Ingredients

Instructions

1. Set up the Proofer: Set the Proofer to 79°F (26°C) and put the water tray in the middle of the warming plate. Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) of water into the tray and place the rack on top of the tray.
2. Autolyse: In a mixing bowl, add 325g of warm water (approximately 85°F / 30°C), reserving 15g for later. Mix in all the flour using a dough whisk or your hands until no dry flour remains. Cover and let the dough rest for 30 to 60 minutes in the Proofer. This rest period helps the flour fully hydrate and begins gluten development.
3. Mix the dough: Remove the dough from the Proofer. Remove the dough from the Proofer. Incorporate the salt, the starter, and the reserved 15g of water. Mix with the dough whisk or by hand until well combined. Then fold the dough by picking up one side of it, stretching it, and bringing it toward the center. Rotate the bowl and repeat this folding motion about 20 more times until the dough begins to strengthen and show some resistance. Return the dough to the Folding Proofer and set a timer for 30 minutes. (This is the beginning of bulk fermentation.)
4. Bulk fermentation: (Bulk fermentation will take about 5 hours in total. During the first 2 hours, folds will be performed, and the cheese, peppers, and scallions will be added.) When the timer goes off, perform the first set of stretch and folds. To perform a set of stretch and folds: With the dough still inside the bowl, pick up one edge of the dough, stretch it as far as it will go, and then fold it into the center. Turn the bowl 90 degrees and repeat the stretch and fold motion. Repeat this motion until you have gone around the circumference of the bow two times and the dough begins to feel less slack and resist stretching. Place the dough back into the Proofer and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, laminate in the cheddar, pepper, and scallions following the instructions below.
5. To laminate the inclusions: Dampen the countertop lightly to prevent the dough from sticking. Turn the dough out and stretch gently to form a large, thin rectangle. Evenly distribute the cheddar, peppers, and scallions over the dough. Take one side of the dough and fold it in toward the center. Repeat on the opposite side, folding on top of the first fold. Next, roll up the dough to create a round shape. Place the dough back in the bowl and return it to the Proofer. Over the next hour, perform two more sets of stretch and folds 30 minutes apart. After the last fold, leave the dough to rest in the Proofer for the remainder of the bulk fermentation time. When the bulk fermentation is done, the dough will have increased in volume by 50%, will feel light to the touch, and should jiggle if the bowl is shaken. If the dough still feels dense, allow it to rise a little longer.
6. Shape: Remove the dough from the Proofer and turn it onto a floured counter to shape it into a round boule. Start shaping by stretching the bottom edge of the dough outward and folding it over to the center. Repeat this with the right and left sides, and finally, stretch the top of the dough and fold it towards the center to form a rough rectangular shape. Next, using a bench knife, carefully flip the dough over so the seam side is now on the counter. Cup the edges of the dough with your hands and gently pull the dough towards you, tucking it under itself while dragging it across the counter to build surface tension. Rotate and repeat this motion to form an even round shape. Use the bench knife to lift the dough and place it seam side up in a 9-inch round banneton dusted with flour. If the bottom seam is not fully sealed, pinch it gently but firmly to close, ensuring the dough maintains its shape and tension as it rests overnight.
7. Refrigerate overnight: Cover the banneton and place it in the refrigerator until the next day (or up to 24 hours later).
8. Bake: The next day, about 20 minutes before you are ready to bake, place the Bread Steel in the lower ⅓ of your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). The steel heats quickly, and when the oven is ready, the Bread Steel will be too. There is no need to preheat the Baking Shell. When the oven is ready, remove the loaf from the refrigerator. Turn the loaf out onto a well-floured bread peel or a piece of parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the dough. Slide your loaf onto the hot steel and immediately cover it with the Baking Shell. Bake for 20 minutes with the shell on. Remove the shell, turn the oven down to 425°F (218°C), and continue baking for another 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and the loaf on a rack to cool.