There's something irresistible about warm, freshly baked bread stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe combines the comfort of homemade bread with the indulgent stretch of melted mozzarella to create a crowd-pleasing treat that's perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1¼ cups warm water
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently poked.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix the cubed mozzarella with minced garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about ½-inch thick. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
- Form the roll into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends together to create a ring. Use kitchen scissors to make cuts about 1 inch apart around the ring, going about ¾ of the way through.
- Gently twist each section to expose some of the filling. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the bread.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Tips for Success
The key to perfect mozzarella stuffed bread lies in the details. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active before starting. When rolling the dough, keep it tight to prevent gaps in the final product. Don't skip the second rise – it's crucial for a light, airy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread warm when the cheese is at its most stretchy and delicious. It makes an excellent appetizer for parties, a side dish for Italian meals, or the star of a casual dinner alongside a fresh salad. Consider offering marinara sauce for dipping to complete the experience.
This recipe serves 8-10 people and can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is still warm.
Whether you're an experienced baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this mozzarella-stuffed bread is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor combination.
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