Description
Honeycomb Bread Stuffed with Cheese is a delightful baked treat featuring soft dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavorful olives. Shaped together to form a stunning honeycomb pattern, this bread is topped with a light egg white wash and crunchy sesame seeds, creating a perfect combination of texture and taste for sharing or entertaining.
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 Topping
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded or sticks
- 1 cup Pitted Olives
- 1 large Egg White (optional, for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Divide Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 30 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Stuff Dough Balls: Flatten each dough ball gently with your palm, place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few olives in the center, then pinch the edges closed securely to seal the filling inside.
- Form Honeycomb Shape: Grease a 10-inch baking pan and arrange the stuffed dough balls close together so they touch, creating a beautiful beehive honeycomb pattern.
- Apply Egg Wash & Add Toppings: Beat the egg white lightly and brush it over the surface of the dough balls for a glossy finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top to add flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses if preferred.
- The egg white wash is optional but helps achieve a shiny crust.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best taste.
