Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Warm milk – 300 ml
• Dried yeast – 8 g
• Sugar – 6 g (about 1 teaspoon)
• Salt – 5 g (about 1 teaspoon)
• All-purpose flour – 450 g
• Vegetable oil – 30 ml (2 tablespoons)

For the Filling:

• Grated cheese – 200 g (cheddar, mozzarella, or any melty cheese)
• Egg – 1 large
• Vegetable oil – 30 ml (2 tablespoons)

For the Topping:

• Feta cheese, crumbled – 120 g
• Honey – 10 g (about 2 teaspoons)
• Cream cheese – 40 g
• Vegetable oil – 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Water – 40 ml (about 3 tablespoons)
• Salt – 3 g (about ½ teaspoon)
• Black pepper – 2 g (about ½ teaspoon)
• Lemon zest – 3 g (from 1 small lemon)
• Green olives, chopped – 40 g
• Black olives, chopped – 40 g
• Vegetable oil – 30 ml (2 tablespoons, for drizzling)
• Black pepper – 2 g (½ teaspoon)
• Salt – 3 g (½ teaspoon)
• Dried thyme – 3 g (1 teaspoon)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 300 ml of warm milk (not too hot, around 37°C/100°F), 6 g of sugar, and 8 g of dried yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that it is activated.
2. Mix the Dough: Once the yeast is activated, add 5 g of salt and 450 g of all-purpose flour gradually to the milk mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. When the dough starts to come together, add 30 ml of vegetable oil and mix until the dough is smooth.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine 200 g of grated cheese with 1 beaten egg and 30 ml of vegetable oil. Mix well to create the filling for the bread. You can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

1. Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a flat, rectangular shape about 1 cm thick.
2. Add the Filling: Spread the cheese filling evenly over the surface of one of the dough rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Seal the Bread: Place the second rectangle of dough on top of the filling and press the edges together to seal the bread. You can pinch the edges or fold them over to ensure that the filling stays inside while baking.
4. Let the Bread Rise: Place the stuffed dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix the Topping: In a bowl, mix together 120 g of crumbled feta cheese, 10 g of honey, 40 g of cream cheese, 30 ml of vegetable oil, 40 ml of water, 3 g of salt, 2 g of black pepper, and 3 g of lemon zest. Stir until it forms a smooth mixture.
2. Add the Olives and Herbs: Stir in 40 g each of chopped green and black olives. Add 3 g of dried thyme for extra flavor. This topping will add a rich, savory taste to the bread.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: While the bread is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Top the Bread: After the second rise, spoon the feta and olive topping mixture evenly over the surface of the bread. Drizzle 30 ml of vegetable oil on top and sprinkle with an extra pinch of black pepper and salt.
3. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the topping is bubbling and slightly crispy.
4. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense. The dough should be soft and smooth after kneading.
• Customizing the Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese in the filling, such as gouda, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
• Olive Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute the olives with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping mixture.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to restore its fresh-baked texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake for 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 320-350 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 g
• Fat: 18-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 600-700 mg

This bread is rich in protein from the cheese and provides carbohydrates for energy. The use of olive oil and cheese provides healthy fats, while the olives add fiber and beneficial nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, so you may need to add a bit more water or oil to the dough.

2. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and continue with the recipe.

3. Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! You can add other toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic to enhance the flavor.

4. Can I make this bread without cheese for a dairy-free version? Yes, you can omit the cheese and add extra vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms to make it dairy-free. You may want to add more seasoning to compensate for the loss of the savory cheese flavor.

5. How do I make sure the bread doesn’t become soggy? Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the olives and other toppings before adding them to the bread. Also, avoid overfilling the bread with cheese, as too much can cause it to leak and make the bread soggy.

Conclusion:

This Cheese-Stuffed Bread with Olive and Herb Topping is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of melted cheese, the tanginess of olives, and the freshness of lemon zest. It’s an ideal recipe for when you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a homemade Mediterranean-inspired bread. With its soft interior and crispy topping, this bread offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main course, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!