The highlight of this Cheese Twisted Bread recipe lies in its filling. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a trio of gooey, sharp, and nutty flavors that complement the fluffy and slightly chewy texture of the freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110Β°F)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers of filling.
- Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up, to form a twisted loaf.
- Place the twisted loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.
