Description
Honeycomb Bread Stuffed with Cheese is a delightful and visually stunning bread recipe featuring soft dough balls filled with melted mozzarella and olives arranged in a beehive pattern. This cheesy, savory bread is perfect for gatherings and snacks, combining a tender crumb with a crunchy sesame seed topping for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Warm Water
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Filling and Topping
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or mozzarella sticks)
- 1 cup Pitted Olives
- 1 large Egg White (optional, for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: Combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until the ingredients come together to form a rough dough. Transfer to a floured surface and knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough balls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 30 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Add filling: Flatten each dough ball with your hands and place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few pitted olives in the center. Pinch the dough closed, sealing the filling inside completely.
- Arrange in pan: Grease a 10-inch baking pan. Place the filled dough balls tightly together in the pan, arranging them in a pattern resembling a honeycomb or beehive shape.
- Apply egg wash and sesame seeds: Beat the egg white and brush it gently over the top of the dough balls. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over them to add flavor and crunch.
- Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the arranged dough balls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Ensure mozzarella is well sealed inside each dough ball to prevent leaking during baking.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some water with milk.
- The egg white wash is optional but gives the bread a lovely glossy finish.
- You can customize the filling by adding herbs or different types of cheese if desired.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.
