Cheddar Thyme Casserole Bread

8 oz (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 pkg fast acting dry yeast
1 1/4 c buttermilk
2 tbsp butter
1 egg

Grease 2 quart round casserole. Press 1/2 cup of the cheese onto sides and bottom of dish.
In large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, onion powder, thyme and yeast; mix well. In small saucepan, heat buttermilk and butter until very warm (120 degrees to 130 degrees F).  Add warm liquid and egg to flour mixture. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.
By hand, stir in remaining flour; mix well. Stir in remaining cheese. Spoon batter into cheese coated dish.  Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.
Heat oven to 350 F. Uncover dough, bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Cool 30 minutes and invert onto plate.
www.pillsbury.com but from their 1996 Holiday bake off book.