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If you have ever dreamed of biting into warm, fluffy bread bursting with gooey, melted cheese, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe. This delightful bread recipe combines a perfectly soft, pillowy dough with rich mozzarella cheese tucked inside to create irresistible loaves that are crisp on the outside and delightfully stretchy inside. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites because it’s that good and surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe plays a crucial role, from the gentle yeast that makes the dough rise beautifully to the creamy mozzarella that provides that signature cheesy pull. These simple components come together to create something truly special.
- 100 grams warm milk (1/2 cup): Feeds the yeast and helps create the soft bread texture.
- 7 grams active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The powerhouse that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- 250 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of your bread, giving it structure.
- 30 grams soft butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the dough for a tender crumb and subtle flavor.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough and aids in browning the crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and lightly sweetens the dough.
- Egg wash (1 egg): Gives the bread a shiny, golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing): Adds a rich finish and helps keep the crust soft.
- 1 tablespoon parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a gentle herby note.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey center that makes this bread irresistibly cheesy.
How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing the warm milk, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. This little step wakes up the yeast and gets it bubbling and foamy, which tells you it’s ready to make the dough rise beautifully. Be patient and let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour. Knead the mixture either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 7 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving the bread that lovely chewiness.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size, which is a good sign that all your yeast is hard at work creating air pockets inside.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Gently punch the risen dough to release trapped air and divide it into 8 equal pieces, each about 58 grams. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and then flatten into an oval shape. On one half of the oval, make small cuts to create texture and allow steam to escape later.
Step 5: Add the Mozzarella and Roll
Place a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on the uncut side of the dough oval. Carefully roll the dough from the cheese side towards the half with the cuts, creating a beautiful layered log. This technique locks the cheese inside and ensures every bite will be melty and satisfying.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the shaped breads on a parchment-lined square pan, making sure there is some space between each. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes until they look puffy and inviting. This second rise is crucial for getting that light, airy texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops with either beaten egg or melted butter to create a gorgeous golden crust. Bake your bread at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the loaves are perfectly browned and the mozzarella inside has melted into a gooey delight.
Step 8: The Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, brush the warm breads generously with melted butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final step adds shine, buttery flavor, and a splash of fresh green color, making your bread impossible to resist.
How to Serve Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can pretty up this cheesy bread and provide a hint of freshness or a touch of heat to elevate each bite. You can even drizzle a little garlic-infused olive oil for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm tomato soup, a fresh garden salad, or alongside your favorite pasta dish. The buttery, cheesy bread complements rich, saucy mains perfectly and makes every meal feel a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread into thick segments and serve as individual cheesy breadsticks with marinara dipping sauce. Alternatively, serve these loaves at brunch alongside eggs and bacon for a savory start to the day. They also make fantastic party snacks when arranged on a beautiful platter with colorful dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheesy stuffed bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheating will bring back some of that fresh-baked goodness.
Freezing
To enjoy this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe later, freeze the fully baked and cooled breads in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 1 month without losing too much quality. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretchy texture, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a mix for unique flavors. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently and may affect the texture.
Do I need a special type of flour for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe, but if you want a chewier texture, you can use bread flour. It has higher protein content, which helps develop more gluten.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
When you mix your yeast with warm milk and honey, it should become foamy and bubbly within 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired or the liquid temperature might be off (too hot or cold), in which case it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the recipe. This slow fermentation can actually enhance the flavor.
What if my bread doesn’t brown evenly?
Make sure to brush the tops with egg wash or butter before baking for even browning. Also, positioning your baking tray in the center of the oven helps the heat circulate evenly for a gorgeous color on all sides.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels so rewarding to make and even better to eat. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever you need a soul-warming snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that melty, buttery, cheesy goodness straight from your oven—you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
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Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed breads
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread is a delightful homemade bread recipe featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese. These golden-brown breads are perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to any meal, boasting a buttery finish accented with fresh parsley. The preparation involves yeast fermentation, kneading, shaping, proofing, and baking to achieve an irresistible cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 100 grams warm milk (1/2 cup)
- 7 grams active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 250 grams all purpose flour (2 cups)
- 30 grams soft butter (2 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
Finish:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
- Approximately 150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture: Mix warm milk, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest for 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the dough: Add egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Knead the mixture by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook for 7–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Divide and shape dough: Gently punch down the dough to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, each about 58 grams. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into an oval shape.
- Prepare stuffed bread: On one half of the oval, make small cuts. On the uncut side, place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll from the cheese side toward the cut side tightly to form a layered, log-shaped bread with the cheese inside.
- Second rise: Place the shaped breads on a parchment-lined square pan, ensuring space between each. Let them rise for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Prepare for baking: Brush the tops of the risen breads with beaten egg or melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breads for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Finishing touch: As soon as the breads come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for enhanced flavor and shine. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading time is crucial for gluten development—do not under-knead the dough.
- The small cuts on one half of the dough help create texture and prevent bursting during baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- The breads are best enjoyed warm for gooey cheese and soft texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
