Ingredients

Dough:

• 400-450g Wheat Flour (3.5 cups)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 13g Fresh Yeast (½ oz)
• 125 ml Warm Water (½ cup)
• 125 ml Warm Milk (½ cup)
• 70 ml Olive Oil (7 tablespoons)
• 5-6g Salt (½ teaspoon)
• 90g Butter (3 oz), softened

Cheese Filling:

• 200g Cheese, grated (1 cup) – You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Decoration:

• Sesame Seeds (white and black), for decoration
• Milk and Olive Oil, for brushing the bread before baking

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 125 ml of warm water and 125 ml of warm milk. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 13g of fresh yeast to the mixture, stirring gently until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 400-450g of wheat flour and 5-6g of salt. Stir the flour and salt together so the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture. Then, add 70 ml of olive oil and 90g of softened butter to the bowl. Mix everything together until you have a soft, sticky dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. You want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky, but not too wet.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is important for developing the bread’s texture and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Grate the Cheese: While the dough is rising, prepare your cheese filling. Grate 200g of cheese of your choice (mozzarella is a great option for its meltability). Set it aside.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

1. Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle or oval shape (about 12 x 18 inches). You want the dough to be about ½ inch thick.
2. Add the Filling: Spread the grated cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, forming a log or cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal the dough and prevent the cheese from escaping while baking.
4. Form the Bread: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan or form it into a round shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can also cut the dough into smaller rolls, but this will require a shorter baking time.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Let It Rise Again: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise ensures that your bread will be light and fluffy.

Step 7: Brush and Decorate

1. Brush with Milk and Olive Oil: In a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brush the surface of the bread with this mixture to give it a golden, shiny finish.
2. Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle white and black sesame seeds generously on top of the bread for decoration and added flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the Oven: While the bread is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the bread has risen, place it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re making smaller rolls, check them after 20-25 minutes.
2. Cool: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. If you’ve made individual rolls, let them cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

Note: The nutritional values are estimates based on one serving of bread (from a 10-12 serving loaf).

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg

The bread is rich and satisfying with a moderate amount of fat, largely due to the butter and olive oil. The cheese filling adds a nice dose of protein and fat, making this bread a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh yeast, you can substitute it with active dry yeast. Use about 9g (1 packet) of active dry yeast and activate it in warm water with sugar, just like you would with fresh yeast.

2. Can I use other fillings besides cheese?

Absolutely! While cheese is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fillings. Some great options include spinach and feta, herbed ricotta, or even ground meat and vegetables for a savory twist.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking it the next day.

4. Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

Tips for Making the Best Cheese-Filled Bread

1. Use Fresh Yeast: For the best texture and rise, try to use fresh yeast. It gives a fluffier, more tender bread compared to instant yeast. If you have trouble finding fresh yeast, substitute with active dry yeast.
2. Let the Dough Rise Properly: Don’t rush the rise! Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures it will be light, airy, and soft once baked.
3. Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses. The type of cheese you choose will impact the flavor and texture of the filling.
4. Use Olive Oil: Olive oil in the dough not only adds flavor but helps keep the bread soft and moist. It also contributes to a golden, beautiful crust when baked.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps preserve its freshness.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the bread for a longer time, slice it and wrap it tightly before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply warm it up in the oven for a freshly baked taste!

Conclusion

This Homemade Cheese-Filled Bread is an easy, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.