Dive into the comforting embrace of homemade bread with our Rustic Cheese and Pepper Swirl Bread recipe. This delightful creation combines the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked dough with the bold flavors of cheddar and feta cheese, complemented by the subtle spice of red and green peppers. Infused with the aromatic touch of dill and the crunch of nigella and sesame seeds, this bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the senses. Perfect for those who love to add a gourmet twist to their baking adventures,
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 20g granulated sugar
- 5g instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 200ml lukewarm milk
- 25ml vegetable oil
- 360g all-purpose flour
- 6g salt
- Filling:
- 150g cheddar cheese, grated
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled (feel free to use any variety you prefer)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 long green pepper, finely chopped
- A handful of dill, chopped
- Nigella seeds and sesame seeds for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, instant yeast, and warm milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Beat in the egg and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red and green peppers, and dill in a bowl. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cheese and pepper filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long sides, to encase the filling.
- Transfer the roll to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Join the ends to form a ring if desired, or leave as a log.
- Final Touches:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the top of the bread with a little milk or beaten egg, then sprinkle with nigella and sesame seeds.
- Let the bread rest for another 15 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked savory cheese and pepper bread, perfect for any meal or as a delightful snack!