If you’re searching for a snack that perfectly balances gooey, melty cheese with soft, pillowy bread, then this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe is about to become your kitchen superstar. Every bite offers a delightful surprise of rich mozzarella oozing from within a tender, golden crust, making it impossible to resist. This recipe combines simple, heartfelt ingredients into a warm, comforting treat that’s ideal for sharing with friends and family or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for irresistible cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joy of creating this wonderful bread. Each component, from the yeast to the butter, plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, luscious flavor, and beautiful golden color. With these staples in your kitchen, you’re already halfway to cheese-stuffed heaven!
- Warm Milk (100 grams / 1/2 cup): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- Active Dry Yeast (7 grams / 2 1/4 teaspoon): Ensures a nice rise, creating that fluffy, airy bread base.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a great rise.
- All-Purpose Flour (250 grams / 2 cups): Provides the structure needed to hold everything together.
- Soft Butter (30 grams / 2 tablespoons): Delivers richness and moisture for a tender bite.
- Egg (1 whole + 1 beaten): The first egg enriches the dough, while the second is perfect for giving the bread that beautiful shiny top.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Works with the yeast and adds a slight hint of sweetness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The star ingredient that provides that irresistible gooey filling.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) & Parsley (1 tablespoon): For brushing and garnishing that final touch of flavor and color.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Letting this mixture rest for about 10 minutes allows the yeast to bloom into a foamy, bubbly texture, signaling it’s alive and ready to work its magic for that perfect rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Next, add the egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to your yeast mixture. Knead everything together, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes – patience here rewards you with soft, stretchy bread dough that’s a joy to work with.
Step 3: First Proof
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size, creating those airy bubbles that make every bite wonderfully light.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, each roughly 58 grams, and roll each into a smooth ball. Flatten them into ovals, then make small cuts on one half. Pile shredded mozzarella on the uncut side before rolling the dough tightly from the cheese side toward the cut side, forming irresistible layered logs filled with cheese.
Step 5: Second Proof and Bake
Place your shaped breads on a parchment-lined square pan, leaving enough space between them to grow. Let them rise again for 30 minutes until they look puffy and slightly swollen. Brush the tops with beaten egg or melted butter for that stunning glaze, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. The result is a golden-brown crust with cheese melted perfectly inside.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once the breads are out of the oven, brush them again with melted butter to add shine and a soft finish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich mozzarella beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is always a winner, adding both color and a fresh burst of flavor. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of garlic powder or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the experience with a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with tomato-based soups, a fresh garden salad, or even alongside a plate of antipasto for a full Italian-inspired spread. The richness of the bread balances beautifully with crisp and tangy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, arrange these stuffed breads on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara, pesto, or olive oil for dipping. You can also slice them open to show off the molten cheese inside, making them not only delicious but incredibly inviting to your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days and are still delightfully soft when reheated.
Freezing
To enjoy these breads later, freeze them before baking by wrapping each portion individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let them rise, then bake fresh for results that taste just as amazing as freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat the breads gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the crust crisp while melting the cheese inside back to its ooey-gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella offers that perfect melt and stretch, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Is it necessary to make the cuts on one half of the dough before rolling?
Yes, the cuts create beautiful layers as the bread bakes, giving you that satisfying texture and show-stopping appearance once baked.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Definitely. You can knead the dough by hand on a clean, floured surface. It might take a bit more effort but the chewy, soft results are well worth it.
Why did my dough not rise properly?
Common reasons include using water or milk that’s too hot or cold, expired yeast, or a cold environment. Make sure your liquid is warm (not hot), and allow the dough to rise in a cozy, draft-free spot.
How should I store leftover bread to keep it from drying out?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to retain moisture. Avoid refrigerating wrapped bread, as it can dry out faster in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling freshly baked, cheese-stuffed bread from the oven — that first pull-apart bite, all warm and gooey, is pure joy. This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a way to bring people together over something utterly delicious. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or part of a cozy meal, I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as well.
PrintCheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe
This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread recipe features soft, fluffy bread filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to a golden perfection. Perfect as a savory snack or a side to your meal, this bread combines tender dough with a melty cheese center and a buttery, herb-infused finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 100 grams warm milk (1/2 cup)
- 7 grams active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 250 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 30 grams soft butter (2 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Filling and Topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (quantity not specified, approximately 120 grams or 1 cup)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Mix warm milk, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let rest for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Add the egg, softened butter, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook for 7 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Divide Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, each weighing approximately 58 grams.
- Shape and Fill: Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into an oval shape. Make small cuts on one half of the oval. Place shredded mozzarella cheese on the uncut half, then roll tightly from the cheese side towards the cut side, forming a layered log shape.
- Second Rise: Arrange the shaped breads on a parchment-lined square pan, spacing them apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they become slightly puffy.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the risen breads with beaten egg or melted butter to help develop a golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breads for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and the mozzarella is melted inside.
- Finishing Touch: Once baked, brush the warm breads with melted butter and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
- If desired, you can replace mozzarella with a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
- Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm environment for best results.
- The small cuts in the dough help create an appealing layered texture when rolled.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust, or with butter for a softer crust.
- These breads are best enjoyed warm for the gooey cheese experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.