Stuffed Mozzarella Garlic Bread

This stuffed mozzarella garlic bread combines the delightful flavors of soft, fluffy bread with gooey mozzarella cheese and a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for any meal or as a delicious snack, this bread is sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, it’s a great addition to your baking repertoire.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 12 minutes
  • Servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients: For the Bread:

  • 160 ml milk (2/3 cup)
  • 4 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
  • 30 g (3 tbsp) sugar
  • 200 g (1 1/2 cups) bread flour (strong flour) or all-purpose flour
  • 4 g (1 tsp) salt
  • 25 g (2 1/2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • 160 g mozzarella cheese, divided into portions

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • 20 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 7 g (1/2 tbsp) minced garlic
  • 15 g (1 1/2 tbsp) sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 40 g mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, instant dry yeast, and sugar. Mix well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
    • Add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until combined.
    • Add the softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
    • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough ferment in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  2. Shape the Dough:
    • After the dough has doubled, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Shape them as desired and let them rest for 10 minutes.
    • Flatten each piece of dough and stuff with a portion of the 160 g mozzarella cheese. Shape into balls or any desired form.
    • Place the shaped dough on a baking tray and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
  3. Bake the Bread:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the dough with milk if desired.
    • Bake the bread for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Stir in the sugar (if using), dried parsley, and salt.
    • Remove from heat and mix in the 40 g mozzarella cheese until melted and combined.
  5. Final Steps:
    • After baking the bread, brush or drizzle the garlic sauce over the top.
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as an appetizer or side dish with pasta, soup, or salad.
  • Enjoy as a snack with a marinara or pizza dipping sauce.
  • Perfect for parties or gatherings as a delicious finger food.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure the milk is warm (but not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce according to your preference.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Mozzarella Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein.
  • Milk: Provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
  • Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe contains dairy and gluten.
  • Can be made with gluten-free flour and dairy-free cheese alternatives for specific dietary needs.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g

Storage Tips:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • The combination of soft bread, gooey cheese, and savory garlic butter is irresistible.
  • Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
  • Versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Conclusion: This stuffed mozzarella garlic bread is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will delight your taste buds. With its soft, fluffy bread and rich, cheesy garlic flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any meal or as a snack, this bread is a must-try recipe for all cheese and garlic lovers. Enjoy your cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
    • Yes, you can use cheddar, gouda, or any other melting cheese you prefer.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. Can I add herbs to the dough for extra flavor?
    • Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can enhance the flavor.
  4. What if I don’t have bread flour?
    • You can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
  5. Can I freeze the bread?
    • Yes, you can freeze the baked bread. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
  6. How do I ensure the bread is fluffy?
    • Make sure to knead the dough well and allow it to rise properly.
  7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for the sauce?
    • Yes, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives a more robust flavor.
  8. What can I serve with this bread?
    • It pairs well with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or as a snack with dipping sauces.
  9. Is it necessary to use sugar in the garlic sauce?
    • The sugar is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
  10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
    • Yes, use dairy-free milk, butter, and cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.