Forget ordering greasy takeout pizza! This recipe for cheesy-filled bread will become your new go-to for a quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s super simple to make, requiring only basic ingredients and minimal effort. Packed with melty cheese and a fluffy base, this dish is so good, that you won’t miss delivery pizza one bit.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 200ml (¾ cup) lukewarm milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 sachet (7g) active dry yeast
- 300g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For the filling:
- Grated cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination (about 2 cups)
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: Warm the milk to lukewarm (not hot!). In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, oil, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: Add the flour gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix together the grated cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl.
- Assemble the bread: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half into a circle about 30cm (12 inches) in diameter. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Seal the deal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to enclose the cheese. You can create a braided or crimped edge for added decoration. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese mixture.
- Egg wash: Brush the tops of the bread with the beaten egg yolk.
- Bake it up: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Enjoy! Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with a simple salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Get creative with the filling! You can substitute the feta cheese with ricotta, parmesan, or other types of cheese you like. Add chopped ham, salami, or vegetables for extra flavor.
- For a crispy crust, sprinkle the dough with sesame seeds or sea salt before baking.
- If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Just follow the instructions on the package and skip the 5-minute activation step.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This cheesy bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or simply a satisfying snack. So ditch the delivery menus and try this easy and delicious recipe at home! You won’t be disappointed.
