This Roasted Garlic and Feta Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf, perfect for serving as a side with soups, salads, or as a delightful snack on its own. The combination of roasted garlic, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic oregano makes this bread a truly irresistible treat.
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Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 12-18 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13-19 hours (including rising time)
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2 heads of roasted garlic
- 6-8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1-2 teaspoons dried crushed oregano
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast.
- Mix together with a spatula until combined, then switch to using your hands. Mix until there are no more streaks of flour.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and set aside at room temperature to rise until doubled in volume, about 12-18 hours.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their shells and into the risen dough.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and dried crushed oregano to the dough.
- Bring the edges of the dough towards the center to cover the filling.
- Shape the Dough:
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a ball.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper.
- Loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside to rest while the oven preheats.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Place a cold Dutch oven into your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake the Bread:
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven using oven mitts.
- Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the Dutch oven and cover with the lid.
- Place the pot back into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the bread to rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this bread warm, sliced, with a drizzle of olive oil or a spread of butter.
- Pair it with soups, salads, or as part of a cheese board.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Be careful when handling the hot Dutch oven and transferring the dough to avoid burns.
Nutritional Benefits
- Garlic: Contains compounds with medicinal properties and is low in calories.
- Feta Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze slices of bread in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of roasted garlic, feta cheese, and oregano creates a deliciously aromatic bread.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe accessible for home bakers.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or part of a larger meal.
Conclusion
This Roasted Garlic and Feta Bread is a delightful addition to any meal. The rich flavors of roasted garlic and feta combined with the fragrant oregano make this bread truly special. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Kali Orexi!