Are you craving some homemade bread with a cheesy twist? This recipe is perfect for you! Follow these simple steps to create a delightful cheese-filled bread that will be a hit with everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Ingredients:
- Warm water: 200 ml
- Warm milk: 200 ml
- Yeast: 8 g (2 tsp)
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Vegetable oil: 90 ml
- All-purpose wheat flour: 550 – 600 g
- Melted butter: 90 g
- Cheese: 150 g
- Egg yolk: 1 pc
- Milk: 1 tbsp
- White sesame seeds
- Oregano
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a bowl, mix the warm water, warm milk, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise properly.
Step 2: Mix in the Vegetable Oil
Add vegetable oil to the frothy yeast mixture and stir well. This helps to incorporate the oil evenly into the dough.
Step 3: Combine with Flour
Gradually add the flour in parts, mixing with a spatula until a dough forms. Start with 550 g of flour and add more if needed to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough in the bowl for 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for an additional 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure, which gives the bread its chewy texture.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 45-50 minutes until it doubles in size. This first rise is essential for developing flavor and texture.
Step 6: Divide and Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts, roll them into balls, cover with a towel, and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This brief resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out one dough ball into a rectangle (35×50 cm). Brush with melted butter, fold into an envelope, and repeat the buttering and folding process twice more. This creates layers of buttery goodness in your bread.
Step 8: Let the Dough Rest Again
Place the dough on a plate, cover with cling film, and let rest for 30-35 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and shape.
Step 9: Fill with Cheese
Roll out the dough again into a rectangle, spread the cheese evenly over the surface, roll up the dough, fix the edges, and transfer to baking paper. Repeat with the second dough ball. The cheese adds a delicious filling that makes each bite flavorful.
Step 10: Final Rise
Cover with a towel and let rise for 20-25 minutes. This final rise ensures that your bread will be light and airy.
Step 11: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
Step 12: Prepare for Baking
Mix the egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk, brush the dough with this mixture, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and oregano. This egg wash gives the bread a beautiful golden color and the toppings add extra flavor and texture.
Step 13: Bake the Bread
Bake for 25-27 minutes. Cover with foil for the last 4-5 minutes to prevent burning. This ensures the bread is baked thoroughly without the crust getting too dark.
Step 14: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool slightly before serving. This cooling period allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to slice.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
- Kcal: 220 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 slices
Conclusion
Homemade cheese-filled bread is a treat that’s worth the effort. By following these steps, you can create a delicious, cheesy bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm, fresh from the oven, or toast the slices later for a crispy, cheesy delight.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
3. How should I store the bread? Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread and thaw as needed.
4. Can I add herbs or spices to the dough? Yes, adding herbs or spices like garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme can enhance the flavor of the bread.
5. Is it necessary to use an egg wash? The egg wash gives the bread a shiny, golden crust, but if you prefer, you can skip it or use milk or cream instead.