Italian Cheese Bread

Italian Cheese Bread Recipe - A Delicious Fusion of Italy & Pakistan

Region / culture: Italy, Pakistan | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Italian Cheese Bread is a delicious and savory bread that is perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer. This recipe combines a soft and fluffy bread with a gooey cheese filling, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

History

Italian Cheese Bread has its roots in traditional Italian baking techniques, where bread is often filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, herbs, and spices. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic Italian bread, making it a popular choice for those looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp sesame seeds
4.5 to 5.25 cups all-purpose unbleached or bread flour
0.25 cup sugar
1.5 tsp salt
2 small packages of active dry yeast
1 cup milk
1 cup water
0.5 cup butter or margarine
2 eggs

For Filling

4 oz (113 g) (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 tsp italian seasoning
0.25 tsp garlic powder

How to prepare

Grease an oven-safe pan and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup and level off. In a large bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Blend well.
In a small saucepan, heat milk, water, and 0.5 cup of butter until very warm. Add the warm liquid and eggs to the flour mixture.
Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat for 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in the remaining 2 to 2.75 cups of flour to form a stiff batter.
In a small bowl, combine all filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon half of the batter over the sesame seeds in the greased pan, then spoon the filling mixture evenly over the batter within 0.5 inch of the sides of the pan.
Spoon the remaining batter over the filling. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a cloth towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until light and doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Uncover the dough.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when lightly tapped.
Remove from the pan immediately and cool on wire racks. Serve warm or cool.

Variations

Add cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon to the filling for a meaty twist.
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to evenly spread the filling mixture over the batter to ensure a gooey and cheesy center.

- Serve the bread warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Cheese Bread is best served warm as a side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with soups, salads, or as a snack on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Italian Cheese Bread is baked in the oven until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. It is important to let the dough rise before baking to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Substitute butter for margarine if desired.

- Use any type of shredded cheese that you prefer for the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Cheese Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Italian Cheese Bread on a platter with fresh herbs or marinara sauce for dipping. You can also slice the bread into smaller pieces for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Cheese Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes such as pasta, salads, or grilled meats. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Italian Cheese Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian Cheese Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian Cheese Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian Cheese Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian Cheese Bread contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Cheese Bread is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Italian Cheese Bread contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Italian Cheese Bread is a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a great option for those looking for a hearty and indulgent treat.

Summary

Italian Cheese Bread is a delicious and savory bread that is perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer. With a gooey cheese filling and a soft and fluffy bread, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Italian Cheese Bread. It was a brisk autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air as she pulled a golden loaf of bread from the oven. As she sliced into the warm, cheesy center, I knew I had to learn how to make this delicious dish.

Maria smiled as she saw my eager expression and handed me the recipe card she had written out by hand. "This is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," she explained. "I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do."

I took the card home with me and carefully studied the ingredients and instructions. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but I knew that the secret to its delicious flavor lay in the quality of the ingredients and the love that went into making it.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I grated fresh Parmesan and Romano cheese, chopped fresh parsley and basil, and minced garlic to add to the bread dough. The scent of the herbs and cheese mingled together was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As the bread baked in the oven, the smell wafted through the house, drawing my family into the kitchen. When the timer finally went off, I pulled the loaf out of the oven and sliced into it, revealing a gooey, cheesy center surrounded by a crusty exterior. My family's eyes lit up as they took their first bite, and I knew I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe.

From that day on, Italian Cheese Bread became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for my loved ones. Each time I made it, I thought of Maria and the day she had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I would add extra garlic for a more robust flavor, or sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. No matter how I changed it, though, the essence of the dish remained the same – a warm, cheesy bread that brought joy to all who tasted it.

As my grandchildren grew older, they began to show an interest in cooking as well. I taught them how to make Italian Cheese Bread, passing down the recipe just as Maria had passed it down to me. It warmed my heart to see them recreate the dish with their own unique twists, sharing it with their friends and creating memories of their own.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, watching my grandchildren laugh and chat as they bake Italian Cheese Bread together, I am filled with a sense of pride and contentment. This recipe has brought my family closer together, connecting us through generations and creating a bond that will never be broken.

I am grateful to Maria for sharing her recipe with me all those years ago, and for sparking a love of cooking that has been passed down through our family. As we sit down to enjoy our freshly baked bread, I say a silent thank you to her and to all the people and places that have inspired me along the way. Cooking is more than just a task – it is a way to connect with others, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.