Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Ilana's Bread with Cheese is not just any loaf; it’s a delightful Middle Eastern treasure that combines the comforting warmth of homemade bread with the rich, savory goodness of melted cheese. This recipe is a culinary adventure that promises to impress your family and friends, making it the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into the secrets of creating this irresistible bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup cheese (feta or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast by adding 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast to 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese filling. Crumble or shred 1 cup of cheese (feta or mozzarella) and set it aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly to encase the cheese filling. Pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen again, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy Ilana's Bread with Cheese warm or at room temperature, perfect as a snack or as part of a meal!
Tips
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Feta adds a tangy flavor, while mozzarella offers a creamy texture. Feel free to mix both for a unique twist!
- Perfecting the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that’s easy to work with.
- Knead with Love: Kneading is crucial! Spend a good 8-10 minutes working the dough to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Warm Rising Spot: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven preheated for a minute and then turned off works wonders!
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on your bread in the oven. It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Serve It Right: Enjoy this bread warm for the best flavor, or slice it up and serve it at room temperature for a delightful snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
