Garlic Mozzarella Bread is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough filled with a rich, cheesy, and garlicky flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious bread that will impress your family and friends.
The bread’s buttery garlic filling combined with the melted mozzarella cheese makes it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or part of a main meal, this Garlic Mozzarella Bread will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm from the oven, and savor the delightful flavors with each bite.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- All-purpose flour/plain flour
- Instant dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Warm milk
- Egg, whisked
- Flour for kneading, if necessary
- Lactose-free fresh Mozzarella cheese (or other cheese)
Garlic Butter:
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic
- Chopped scallions
- Salt
Additional:
- Sharp blade or regular knife
- Egg for brushing (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the melted butter, warm milk, and whisked egg to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped scallions, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the grated Mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into equal pieces, about 1 inch thick.
- Place the pieces cut side up in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg, if using, and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper.
Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
The Perfect Dough
The base of this delicious bread is a well-prepared dough made from all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, salt, melted butter, warm milk, and a whisked egg. These ingredients come together to create a dough that is both tender and flavorful. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes ensures it becomes smooth and elastic, perfect for creating a light and airy bread.
Flavorful Garlic Butter
The garlic butter spread is what truly elevates this bread. Made from softened butter, minced garlic, chopped scallions, and a pinch of salt, this spread infuses every bite with a rich, savory flavor. The scallions add a subtle onion-like sweetness that complements the garlic perfectly, making this butter spread irresistible.
Mozzarella Cheese: The Cheesy Core
Using lactose-free fresh mozzarella cheese ensures that everyone can enjoy this delightful bread, even those with lactose intolerance. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy center that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter. The result is a bread that is both creamy and savory, with a delightful cheesy pull in every bite.
Easy Assembly and Baking
Assembling the bread is straightforward. After the dough has risen, it is rolled out into a rectangle and generously spread with the garlic butter mixture. A layer of grated mozzarella cheese is then added before rolling the dough into a log and cutting it into individual pieces. These pieces are placed cut side up in a greased baking dish, brushed with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish, and sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra flavor kick.
Baking the bread at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes allows the dough to cook through while the cheese melts and the tops turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma of baking garlic and cheese is sure to fill your home with an enticing fragrance, making it hard to wait until the bread is ready.
Tips for the Best Garlic Mozzarella Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the dough to mix more easily and rise better.
- Even Spreading: Spread the garlic butter and cheese evenly over the dough to ensure every piece of bread is packed with flavor.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading the dough properly is crucial for achieving the right texture. It should be smooth and elastic, not sticky.
- Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rest and rise in a warm place allows it to double in size, which is essential for a light and fluffy bread.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Mozzarella Bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish at dinner parties, or enjoy it as a savory snack any time of the day. It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. For an extra special treat, serve it with marinara sauce or a balsamic reduction for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds, but be aware that the bread might lose some of its crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Mozzarella Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the irresistible flavors of garlic, cheese, and freshly baked bread. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a delicious homemade treat, this bread is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures, and watch it quickly become a beloved recipe in your home.