1 cracked egg – Used to brush the tops of the dough before baking, giving them a shiny, golden finish.
Olives – For a touch of Mediterranean flavor and to enhance the appearance of the final dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 ml warm water and 250 ml warm milk. Make sure both are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Sprinkle in 10 g of dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to work.
2. Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast is activated, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 200 ml of vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Gradually add 700 g of wheat flour in small portions while stirring the mixture. You can use a wooden spoon or a mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together.
If the dough feels too sticky, add the remaining 100 g of wheat flour little by little until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth. The dough should bounce back slightly when poked.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, grate 100 g of cheese for the filling. You can use any cheese you like. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar is a great option for a melty, flavorful center.
5. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a floured surface.
Divide the dough into even portions, depending on how large you want the bread pieces to be. You can make small rolls or larger loaves.
Flatten each portion into a disc and place a generous spoonful of the grated cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges to seal it tightly, forming a ball.
6. Decorate and Add Toppings:
Place the filled dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Crack an egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash over the top of each dough ball to give it a shiny, golden-brown crust.
For decoration, place an olive in the center of each dough ball or arrange them as you like to add a flavorful touch.
7. Final Rise:
Cover the shaped and filled dough with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes. This allows the dough to puff up slightly, making the bread even softer.
8. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The cheese filling should be melted and gooey inside.
Tips for Success:
Check the dough texture: If the dough is too sticky, add more flour gradually. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm water or milk.
Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the filling. For a richer taste, you can use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan.
Optional fillings: You can add other fillings, such as cooked ham, sautéed vegetables, or herbs, to create different flavor combinations.
Perfect rise: Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on for warmth.
Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
For breakfast or brunch: Serve this bread warm with a side of butter or jam.
With soup or salad: This bread pairs perfectly with a light soup or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Snack or appetizer: These cheese-filled bread rolls make a fantastic snack or appetizer for parties or family gatherings.
Variations:
Herbed Bread: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic flavor.
Spiced Bread: Sprinkle paprika or garlic powder over the egg wash for a spiced crust.
Stuffed Rolls: Try stuffing the dough with different ingredients, such as spinach, feta cheese, or sautéed mushrooms for a twist on the classic cheese filling.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300
Protein: 8-10g
Fat: 12-15g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Conclusion:
This flour and water bread recipe is a simple yet delightful way to make homemade bread with just a few pantry staples. The fluffy texture, cheesy filling, and golden crust make this bread irresistible. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a snack, or even the main star of the meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The ease of preparation, combined with its versatility, is why this recipe deserves a medal!
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