Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s stuffed with a delightful medley of cheeses, peppers, and herbs. This Cozy Cheesy-Stuffed Bread is a heartwarming recipe perfect for any occasion—from a family gathering to a weekend treat. The soft, fluffy dough, combined with a rich filling, creates a savory experience that brings people together over delicious homemade comfort food. Let’s dive into crafting this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 200 ml warm milk
- 40 g olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 150 g shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Black cumin seeds (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast and sugar in warm milk, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture, olive oil, and a beaten egg into the well. Gradually mix to form a soft dough.
- Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the grated cheese, feta, diced red and green bell peppers, and chopped dill in a bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rectangle or oval shape. Spread half of the cheese and pepper mixture onto each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Seal and Shape: Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal the bread. Place the stuffed bread seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the tops of the stuffed bread with beaten egg yolk, then sprinkle black cumin seeds and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and gooey. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, either as a standalone dish or paired with a fresh salad, and enjoy the combination of soft bread and rich, cheesy filling.
Conclusion:
This Cozy Cheesy-Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the art of homemade bread with a deliciously savory filling. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth to your table and smiles to the faces of everyone who tastes it. Enjoy this irresistible bread straight from the oven and share the joy of homemade goodness!