Smoked Gouda Cheese Bread

1 In a medium sized bowl mix the ginger, sugar, yeast, and warm water.
2 Set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
3 Whisk the buttermilk, honey, salt, and baking soda together and add it to the yeast mixture.
4 Add three cups of flour and mix until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes on low of a stand mixer.
5 Pour in the butter until it is totally mixed into the batter.
6 Add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, keeping mixer on low speed.
7 Add 1-1/2 cups of the cheese, reserving 1/2 cup for the crust.
8 When dough pulls from the sides of the bowl remove it from the mixer to a lightly floured surface. Knead until elastic and smooth.
9 You can also knead in your mixer according to manufacturer's directions.
10 Place in greased bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover with a clean tea towel.
11 Allow the dough to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until double.
12 Punch down and form into two loaves.
13 Form into loaves the shape of your choice or place in greased loaf pans.
14 Grease tops.
15 Cover, and allow to rise for 45 minutes.
16 Preheat oven to 400F.
17 Brush the bread loaves with the beaten egg mixed with 1 teaspoon of water.
18 Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
19 Bake for 30 minutes. You can cover the tops with foil if they brown too fast.
20 Remove loaves from oven.
21 Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
22 Gently run a knife around the edge of the pan if you used one; between the bread and the pan to loosen it.
23 Turn out and cool completely on a rack.
24 Cover the loaves as they cool if you want soft crusts.