Hot and spicy cheese bread facts for kids
Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread, also known as Wisconsin Cheesy Bread, is a super popular snack in Madison, Wisconsin. It's a special kind of bread filled with cheese and a little bit of spice. You can often find it at local farmer's markets and bakeries. This yummy bread was first made by Stella's Bakery, and they still bake it fresh today!
The Story Behind the Bread
This delicious bread was actually invented by accident! A baker named Coralia Harn from Stella's Bakery was trying to make a type of pastry called an empanada. She wanted to create a new empanada that people in Madison would really love.
How a Mistake Made a Masterpiece
Coralia got a bit frustrated with her empanada dough. So, she decided to try something different. Instead of making empanadas, she simply mixed the tasty filling she had prepared right into regular bread dough! She then baked it and sold it the very next day at the Dane County Farmers' Market. People loved it!
Over time, the recipe for this special bread got even better. Today, it's made with a soft, rich dough similar to brioche. Inside, you'll find a mix of Provolone cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. It's also topped with crushed hot red peppers for that spicy kick. Plus, it has fresh chives and parsley mixed in.
A Favorite Snack in Madison
Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread is often eaten as a snack. Many people buy it at the farmers' market and pull off pieces to enjoy while they walk around. It quickly became a big part of Madison's food culture.
Every Saturday, more than 2,000 loaves of this bread are sold at the Dane County Farmers' Market! In 2015, the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper even named it one of the "30 plates that define Madison." That shows just how important and loved this cheesy, spicy bread is!
