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.