Baked with cheese

Cheese Bascutes – A delicious recipe full of tradition and flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 bascutes

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe: cheese bascutes. These fluffy delights are a perfect combination of a soft dough and a creamy cheese filling, and their aroma will instantly transport you to a universe of flavor.

The history of these bascutes is rich, with roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Over time, various versions have been adapted and personalized, but their essence – to bring joy and comfort – has remained constant. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, cheese bascutes are always an inspired choice!

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (sifted for a fine texture)
- 60 g sugar (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for a fragrant taste)
- 2 egg yolks (to add richness to the dough)
- 80 g butter (at room temperature for easy integration)
- 1 cube (25 g) fresh yeast (or the equivalent in dry yeast)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (ideal for activating the yeast)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the flavor)

For the filling:
- 300 g cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 50 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (optional, for extra flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh note)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)

Step by step: how to prepare perfect cheese bascutes

1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing the yeast cube with 100 ml of lukewarm milk (make sure it’s not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and a teaspoon of your sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, make a well in the center of the sifted flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the rest of the lukewarm milk.

3. Kneading: Once the ingredients are well integrated, start adding the butter at room temperature, a little at a time, while continuously kneading. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If you notice the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a tough dough.

4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place (for example, near a heat source or in a preheated oven at minimum) for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and egg. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can adjust the amount of sugar to taste.

6. Shaping the bascutes: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Use a glass to cut out circles from the dough sheet. Place the circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise.

7. Dipping and filling: Use a smaller glass to make an indentation in the center of each circle. Fill the indentation with the cheese mixture, being careful not to overfill it to avoid spills during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Let the bascutes rise for about 15 minutes, then bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and nicely browned. Delicious aromas will fill your kitchen!

9. Serving: When the bascutes are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These delights are perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a snack between meals.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- You can experiment with various fillings: fruit jam, preserves, ground nuts, or chocolate. Each variant will bring a personal touch and a different taste!
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing, to facilitate homogenization.
- If you want a fluffier texture, you can add a bit of sour cream to the dough.

Nutritional benefits: These bascutes are a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the butter. Additionally, cheese provides an essential calcium boost for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Check the package instructions for the correct equivalents.

2. How can I store bascutes after baking?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to keep them longer.

3. What drinks pair well with cheese bascutes?
These delights pair wonderfully with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, a natural fruit juice can add a pleasant contrast.

Enjoy every step of preparing these cheese bascutes! Whether you make them for yourself or for loved ones, these treats will surely bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour (sifted) 60 g sugar (3-4 tbsp) 2 packets vanilla sugar 2 egg yolks 80 g butter 1 cube yeast (25 g) 250 ml milk a pinch of salt Filling cheese vanilla sugar lemon zest 1 egg

 Tags:  cheese dumplings