Easy Bread with a Cheesy Twist

Ingredients

For Yeast Activation:

• Warm Milk: 400 ml (Activates the yeast, providing an ideal environment for fermentation and rising.)
• Sugar: 15 grams (Serves as food for the yeast, promoting quick and efficient activation.)
• Dry Yeast: 10 grams (Essential for leavening, giving the bread its rise and soft texture.)

For the Dough:

• Wheat Flour: 480 grams (The primary structure of the bread, creating the gluten network for a soft, airy loaf.)
• Salt: 8 grams (Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure.)
• Olive Oil: 20 grams (Adds moisture and richness, resulting in a tender crumb.)
• Cheese (Mozzarella or Cheddar): 200 grams (The highlight of the recipe, contributing a gooey, cheesy center to each piece of bread.)
• Egg Yolk: 1 (Provides a rich color and sheen to the finished bread, enhancing visual appeal.)
• Vegetable Oil: For greasing (Prevents the dough from sticking during rising and baking.)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

• Warm the Milk: Gently heat 400 ml of milk in a small saucepan or microwave until it reaches 37°C to 40°C (98°F to 104°F). It should feel warm but not hot to the touch. A thermometer is ideal for accuracy.
• Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized warm bowl, mix the warm milk, 15 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve completely. The sugar helps “wake up” the yeast for faster activation.
• Let it Sit: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. If there’s no foam, your yeast may be expired or the milk temperature could be incorrect.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• Sift the Flour: In a large mixing bowl, sift 480 grams of wheat flour to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth texture. This step also incorporates air for a lighter bread.
• Add Salt: Whisk in 8 grams of salt evenly throughout the flour. Mixing salt thoroughly prevents it from inhibiting yeast activity.
• Combine with Yeast Mixture: Gradually add the activated yeast mixture to the flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Pour the yeast mixture slowly to avoid lumps.

3. Knead the Dough:

• Add Olive Oil: Incorporate 20 grams of olive oil into the dough and begin kneading for about 3-4 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
• Check the Dough: The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.

4. First Rise:

• Grease the Bowl: Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and turn to coat the surface. This helps prevent drying.
• Cover and Let Rise: Cover with a towel and place in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. To create a warm environment, preheat your oven to the lowest setting, turn it off, and place the dough inside.

5. Shape the Bread:

• Punch Down the Dough: After rising, gently punch down the dough to release air and create a finer crumb.
• Divide the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 4 equal parts. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

6. Add the Cheese:

• Roll Out the Dough: Roll each ball into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Ensure even thickness to prevent tearing.
• Place the Cheese: In the center of each circle, place 50 grams of cheese (mozzarella or cheddar). Consider adding herbs for extra flavor.

7. Second Rise:

• Shape and Place on Baking Sheet: Fold the dough over the cheese, sealing the edges tightly, and place on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Cover and Let Rise Again: Cover the dough with a towel and allow it to rise for another 20 minutes. This will make the dough puff up slightly.

8. Egg Wash:

• Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg yolk with a teaspoon of water until smooth. This will give the bread a beautiful shine.
• Brush the Dough: Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the risen dough evenly with the egg wash, being careful not to let it drip onto the baking sheet.

9. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. If the tops brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil.

10. Cool and Serve:

• Cool on a Rack: Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set.
• Optional: Brush the warm tops with melted butter for extra softness.

Enjoy your deliciously cheesy bread!