Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 room temperature egg (61g)
• 80ml warm milk
• 4g instant dry yeast
• 20g (2 tbsp) sugar
• 200g bread flour
• 3g (1 tsp) salt
• 30g melted unsalted butter

For the Filling:

• 430g potatoes (weight with peels)
• 3 pinches of salt
• A little pepper powder
• 40g (4 tbsp) heavy cream or milk
• 140g mozzarella cheese
• (Optional) Various cheeses to taste

For Topping:

• Milk (for brushing)
• Melted unsalted butter (for brushing after baking)
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the room temperature egg with warm milk (make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast). Add in the instant dry yeast and sugar, and stir until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Gradually pour in the wet mixture while stirring the flour.
3. Knead the Dough: Once the mixture starts to form a dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer with a dough hook if preferred.
4. Add Butter: Incorporate the melted unsalted butter into the dough and knead until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is soft and smooth.
5. Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place (36-39°C or 97-102°F) for about 1 hour or until it doubles or triples in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks, then boil them in salted water until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash them while they are still hot. Add salt, pepper, and heavy cream or milk to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Cheese Filling: Once the potatoes are mashed, mix in the mozzarella cheese. You can also use other types of cheese for extra flavor, such as cheddar or Gouda.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

1. Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any gas. Divide it into two equal parts.
2. Shape the Dough: Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten them out into circles on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread the Filling: Place the dough rounds on a prepared oven pan. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the mashed potatoes. Feel free to add other cheeses for a richer flavor.
5. Seal the Dough: Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges well by pressing down firmly. Make sure the ends are neatly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
6. Rest: Cover the assembled bread with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for another 10-20 minutes to rise slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: While the bread is resting, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Brush with Milk: Before baking, brush the top of the dough with milk to give it a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Bake: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
4. Final Touch: Once baked, brush the tops with melted unsalted butter for added shine and richness. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Fermentation: Be patient with the dough fermentation. The dough needs to rise until it doubles or triples in size, so ensure it’s in a warm place for the best results.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for varied flavors.
• Dough Handling: If the dough sticks while kneading, lightly flour your hands or the surface to make it easier to work with. However, avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough tough.
• Sweet Potato Substitute: For a twist, try using sweet potatoes or pumpkin as a filling substitute for the potatoes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 11g
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g

FAQs:

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, place the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before using.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the filling?
   • While fresh mashed potatoes offer a better texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a quick alternative. Just ensure they are well-seasoned and have a smooth consistency.
3. Can I freeze the bread?
   • Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   • To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg, the milk with a plant-based alternative, and the butter with a vegan margarine. Use vegan cheeses for the filling and topping.
5. What can I serve with this bread?
   • This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or even as a side dish to main courses like roast chicken or grilled vegetables. It’s also delicious on its own as a snack!

Conclusion:

This Fluffy Potato-Stuffed Bread is a delicious and comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the soft, golden bread filled with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is flexible and allows for creative variations with different fillings and cheeses. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or as leftovers, this savory bread will quickly become a favorite in your home!