Bread with cheese

Cheese Bread - A Homemade Delicacy

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love the aroma of freshly baked bread? This cheese bread recipe will surely win you over. It is a perfect combination of a golden crust and creamy cheese filling, and making it is a true ritual filled with warmth and joy. Let's discover together how to enjoy this delicacy!

Ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 300 ml lukewarm water (or milk, if preferred)
- 20 g sunflower oil (or olive oil for a richer taste)
- 300 g homemade cottage cheese (or feta cheese for a saltier flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or dried, if you don’t have it)
- Caraway seeds (to taste)
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and add 25 g of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast) and a pinch of salt. Yeast is the magic ingredient that will make the bread rise, so make sure it is fresh. If using dry yeast, there is no need to activate it beforehand, it will start working once hydrated.

2. Adding liquids:
In the center of the flour mixture, add 300 ml of lukewarm water (or milk, if you want a richer taste). The water should not be hot, as it could kill the yeast. Finally, add 20 g of oil. The oil will provide extra elasticity to the dough.

3. Kneading:
Start mixing the ingredients with a spoon or your hands. When the ingredients start to come together, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or you will end up with dense bread.

4. Rising:
Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. A useful tip: you can place the dough in an off oven, but with a cup of hot water, to create a warm and humid environment ideal for rising.

5. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grate 300 g of cottage cheese using a fine grater. If using feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces. Add 1 tablespoon of sour cream, caraway seeds, and chopped fresh dill. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. This filling is the key to flavor, so feel free to experiment with proportions and ingredients!

6. Assembling the bread:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin until you obtain a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Evenly distribute the cheese filling over the entire surface of the dough. Roll the dough tightly to form a log.

7. Baking:
Place the rolled dough in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle caraway seeds on top for extra flavor. A delicious option is to also add sesame or poppy seeds for a more appealing look and crunchy texture.

8. Another rise (optional):
Let the bread rise for another 10 minutes before placing it in the oven if you want a fluffier texture.

9. Bake the bread:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the bread for 35 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy. Do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean, the bread is ready!

10. Cooling:
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool on a rack for a few minutes before cutting it. This will help maintain the texture and allow steam to escape.

Serving suggestions:
This cheese bread is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a warm soup, a fresh salad, or simply with butter and a slice of tomato for a hearty breakfast. It’s also perfect for picnics or family meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates and protein due to the cheese. Dill adds not only flavor but also antioxidants, and caraway is known for its digestive properties. This recipe can be adapted according to personal preferences, using various cheeses or adding vegetables to the filling.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

- What can I use instead of yeast?
If you want a yeast-free option, you can try a baking powder bread recipe, but the texture will be different.

- How can I keep the bread fresh?
The bread keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature and can be frozen for later consumption.

In conclusion, this cheese bread recipe is not only simple but also very versatile. Experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and spices to adapt it to your tastes. Each bite will bring a touch of warmth and comfort every day! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 25 g dry yeast, a pinch of salt, cumin, 300 ml water (milk if preferred), 20 g oil, 300 g homemade cottage cheese, dill, one tablespoon sour cream, one egg

 Tags:  stuffed bread