Garlic and mozzarella cheese-stuffed bread rolls with poppy seeds are a delightful treat for any occasion. These soft, buttery rolls are packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic-parsley butter and gooey mozzarella cheese filling. The added crunch of poppy seeds and a beautiful golden exterior make these rolls an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, these rolls are sure to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 70 ml of warm water
• 70 ml of warm milk
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 320 grams of flour
• Half a teaspoon of salt

For the Garlic-Parsley Butter:

• 60 grams of butter
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon honey

For the Filling and Topping:

• Mozzarella cheese (about 150 grams, cut into small cubes)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon of milk (for egg wash)
• Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the melted butter. Mix well.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and salt.
4. Form the dough: Gradually add the activated yeast mixture to the egg and butter mixture. Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid making it too dry.
6. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a 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 Garlic-Parsley Butter

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 60 grams of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add parsley and honey: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and honey. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions, depending on how large you want your rolls.
2. Stuff the rolls: Flatten each portion into a small disc and place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining portions.
3. Arrange the rolls: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. Sprinkle with poppy seeds: After brushing with egg wash, sprinkle each roll with poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
4. Bake the rolls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 5: Serve

1. Brush with garlic butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic-parsley butter.
2. Serve warm: Serve the rolls while they’re warm, allowing the mozzarella cheese inside to be perfectly melted and gooey.

Nutritional Facts (Per Roll):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fat: 13 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Sugar: 2 grams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply add the instant yeast to the flour without the need to activate it in warm water. The rest of the steps remain the same.

2. What type of cheese is best for stuffing the rolls?
Mozzarella is a great choice because it melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheese pull. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

4. How can I ensure the rolls are soft?
Avoid over-baking the rolls, as this can dry them out. Keep an eye on the baking time, and brush the tops with garlic butter immediately after they come out of the oven to add moisture and flavor.

5. Can I omit the poppy seeds?
Yes, the poppy seeds are optional. You can replace them with sesame seeds or leave them off entirely if you prefer.

Tips for Making the Perfect Garlic and Mozzarella Bread Rolls:

1. Use warm liquids: Make sure the water and milk are warm but not too hot (around 100°F or 38°C). Hot liquids can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
2. Let the dough rise properly: Give the dough enough time to rise in a warm place. The dough should double in size during the first rise, which usually takes about 1 hour.
3. Seal the dough well: When stuffing the rolls with mozzarella, make sure to pinch the dough tightly to seal the cheese inside. This prevents the cheese from leaking out during baking.
4. Don’t skip the egg wash: Brushing the rolls with an egg wash gives them a beautiful golden brown color and a glossy finish.
5. Serve immediately: These rolls are best served warm, as the mozzarella will be melted and gooey. If you need to reheat them, do so in a low oven to maintain their texture.

Storage Tips:

• In the fridge: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (150°C or 300°F) to warm them through without drying them out.
• In the freezer: These rolls can be frozen after they’ve been baked. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven.
• Reheating: To reheat the rolls, place them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as it can make the rolls rubbery and tough.

Conclusion:

Garlic and mozzarella cheese-stuffed bread rolls with poppy seeds are a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. The soft, fluffy dough filled with melted mozzarella, topped with savory garlic butter and crunchy poppy seeds, creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures. These rolls are versatile and can be served as a snack, an appetizer, or alongside a main dish.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just to enjoy at home, these garlic and cheese-stuffed rolls are sure to impress. Plus, with a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up these delicious rolls in no time. Give this recipe a try, and savor the rich, buttery flavors of homemade bread stuffed with cheese!