In a world where fast food often takes center stage, there’s something uniquely comforting about baking bread from scratch, especially when the recipe has been passed down through generations. This 100-year-old recipe from Grandma’s kitchen is more than just a method for making bread—it’s a piece of history, a labor of love, and a celebration of tradition. Infused with herbs, garlic, and rich cheeses, this bread is destined to be the star of any meal. Follow along to recreate this delicious, time-honored bread that promises to be the most flavorful loaf you’ll ever taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 280 ml (9.46 fl oz) of lukewarm water
- 10 g (0.35 oz) sugar
- 5 g (0.18 oz) yeast
- 370 g (13 oz) all-purpose flour
- 10 g (0.35 oz) salt
- 40 ml (1.35 fl oz) oil
- 15 g (½ oz) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 15 g (½ oz) fresh dill, finely chopped
For the Garlic Mixture:
- 60 g (2 oz) garlic, minced
- 50 ml (⅕ cup) oil
- 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- 75 g (2.65 oz) melted butter
- 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 whole garlic heads, roasted
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) oil
- 8 g (0.29 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.18 oz) black pepper
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cream cheese
- 10 g (0.35 oz) green onion, finely chopped
- 10 g (0.35 oz) parsley, finely chopped
- 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 40 g (1.4 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 10 g (0.35 oz) salt
- 10 g (0.35 oz) black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Stir the Yeast: Combine the lukewarm water with sugar and yeast in a small bowl to activate the yeast.Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a hollow in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding a bit more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Incorporate the chopped parsley and dill into the dough during the last few minutes of kneading.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Mixture
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oil, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice off the top of the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with oil, and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Sauté the Onion: In a small pan, heat 20 ml of oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced red onion and cook until it turns a rich, golden brown. Season with 8 g of salt and 5 g of black pepper. Set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the roasted garlic, sautéed onions, cream cheese, green onion, parsley, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, 10 g of salt, and 10 g of black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cheese filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Shape: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Cut the log into equal portions and place them in a greased baking dish or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Final Touches and Bake
- Add the Garlic Mixture: Spread the prepared garlic mixture over the top of the dough rolls.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped bread with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Add the Topping: As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serving Suggestion: Let the bread cool slightly before serving. This bread is best enjoyed warm, allowing the cheese filling to be gooey and the garlic flavors to be at their peak.
Conclusion
Grandma’s 100-year-old bread recipe is a timeless treasure that embodies the warmth and love of homemade baking. This rich, flavorful bread, filled with a delightful cheese mixture and topped with fragrant garlic and Parmesan, is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Whether served as a centerpiece at a family dinner or enjoyed on its own, this bread will bring joy and comfort to all who taste it. Indulge in the deliciousness of tradition and savor every bite of this heavenly artisan bread!