Garlic Butter Mozzarella Bread

This Garlic Butter Mozzarella Bread is a savory, cheesy delight that combines the rich flavors of garlic butter with gooey mozzarella cheese, all encased in a soft, warm dough. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, this bread is simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The soft dough, combined with the buttery, garlicky goodness, and melted mozzarella, makes for a heavenly treat.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 100 ml warm milk
• 100 ml warm water
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seed oil
• 350 g flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 50 g butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste

For Assembly:

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and sunflower seed oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

4. Let the Dough Rise:
   Grease a large bowl with butter and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

1. Mix the Garlic Butter:
   In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Shape the Dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.

3. Spread the Garlic Butter:
   Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the garlic butter, ensuring an even coverage.

5. Roll the Dough:
   Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the longer side, to form a log or cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.

6. Cut and Arrange:
   Slice the dough into even pieces, about 1-2 inches thick. Arrange the pieces in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure the pieces are close together but not touching.

4. Bake the Bread:

1. Bake the Bread:
   Place the assembled bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

2. Cool Slightly:
   Let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and make it easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions:

1. As a Side Dish:
   Serve the garlic butter mozzarella bread alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for a comforting and satisfying meal.

2. For Snacking:
   Enjoy this bread as a savory snack. Serve it with marinara sauce for dipping or a side of fresh vegetables.

3. For Appetizers:
   These cheesy, garlic-filled rolls are perfect for entertaining. Serve them at parties or gatherings for an irresistible appetizer.

Cooking Tips:

1. Let the Dough Rise Properly:
   Ensure the dough rises in a warm place to give it time to double in size. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.

2. Experiment with Cheeses:
   While mozzarella is traditional for this recipe, you can mix it up by using different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.

3. Control the Garlic Flavor:
   If you want a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in a little butter before adding it to the mixture.

4. Make It Ahead:
   The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it rise before continuing with the rest of the steps.

Variations to Try:

1. Herb-Infused Bread:
   Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the dough for added flavor.

2. Add Bacon or Ham:
   For a meatier version, sprinkle some cooked bacon or ham on top of the cheese before rolling up the dough.

3. Spicy Garlic Butter:
   Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

4. Stuffed Garlic Bread:
   Instead of rolling the dough, stuff it with layers of garlic butter and cheese before folding it up into a loaf. This creates a more rustic, hearty loaf of garlic bread.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Mozzarella Bread is a rich, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it alongside your favorite pasta, enjoy it as a snack, or bring it to a party, this bread is sure to impress. With its soft, cheesy interior and golden, crispy crust, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and highly customizable, making it a great addition to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. Just roll it out and follow the rest of the steps for assembly and baking.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the bread in advance, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

3. Can I freeze this garlic bread?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled bread (before baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan cheese for a delicious plant-based version.

5. How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dry?
   Ensure you spread enough garlic butter on the dough and don’t overbake the bread. The cheese should help keep it moist and soft.

6. Can I add other fillings?
   Absolutely! You can add things like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spinach to create a more complex flavor profile.