Description
Honeycomb Bread Stuffed with Cheese is a delightful baked bread featuring soft, fluffy dough balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavorful olives. Arranged in a beehive pattern and topped with sesame seeds, this recipe offers a perfect combination of texture and savory taste, ideal for sharing as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Warm Water
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Filling and Toppings
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or mozzarella sticks)
- 1 cup Pitted Olives (your favorite variety)
- 1 large Egg White (optional, for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
- Divide and Stuff: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 30 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball slightly, place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella and a few olives in the center, then pinch the dough closed to seal the filling inside.
- Arrange in Pan: Grease a 10-inch baking pan. Arrange the stuffed dough balls closely together in the pan, forming a beehive or honeycomb shape.
- Egg Wash and Seeds: Beat the egg white lightly and brush it over the surface of the dough balls. This will create a glossy finish when baked. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bread for 25 to 30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Use warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Ensure to seal the dough well around the cheese and olives to prevent leakage during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavors.
- For a vegan option, replace egg white with a plant-based milk wash or skip it entirely and use a drizzle of olive oil.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese filling to set slightly, reducing burn risk.
