Layered Cheese Bread: A Soft, Cheesy Delight
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 200 ml (about 3/4 cup) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 50 ml (about 1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (4 g) yeast
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (20 g) sugar
- 390-400 g (3 cups) flour
For the Filling:
- 250 g (about 2 cups) cheese, grated or crumbled
For Greasing:
- 60 g (about 1/4 cup) butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast:
Start by warming the 200 ml of milk slightly. It should be lukewarm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 1 tsp of yeast and 1 tbsp of sugar. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 large eggs, 50 ml of vegetable oil, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 3 cups (390-400 g) of flour. Begin mixing the ingredients together with a spoon or a spatula until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it could make the bread dense.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, grate or crumble 250 g of cheese and set it aside. You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your preference, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of your favorites.
3. Assemble the Bread
Divide the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you want the layers to be.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a thin rectangle. The thinner you roll the dough, the more layers your bread will have.
Butter and Cheese the Dough:
Generously brush the rolled dough with melted butter. Then, evenly sprinkle the grated or crumbled cheese over the buttered surface. The butter will help the layers stay separate and create a rich, flaky texture.
Roll the Dough into Logs:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough to form a log. Repeat this process for all portions of dough.
4. Create the Layers
Layer or Twist the Dough:
You can either layer the dough logs on top of each other in a baking tray or loaf pan, or twist them together to create a more decorative loaf. If layering, simply place each log on top of the other. If twisting, intertwine the logs to form a braided effect.
Final Rise:
Cover the assembled dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise helps to achieve a light, airy texture in the bread.
5. Bake the Bread
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is undergoing its final rise, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Bake the Bread:
Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the top with more melted butter for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
6. Serve
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing it. Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal the beautiful layers of soft dough and melted cheese.
Enjoy:
Serve the bread warm, and enjoy the deliciously gooey layers of cheese between the tender, buttery dough. This Layered Cheese Bread is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or as part of a savory breakfast.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 8 slices
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
Conclusion
This Layered Cheese Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, offering layers of tender bread interspersed with rich, melted cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this bread is a comforting and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. The combination of soft dough, gooey cheese, and buttery layers makes this bread irresistible. Give it a try, and savor every bite!