Cheese Twisted Bread

Cheese Twisted Bread is a delightful treat that combines the richness of cheese with the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked bread. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious bread at home:

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
• For the Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for a garlicky twist)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic (if using) and chopped herbs.
2. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

3. Assemble the Bread:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into two equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
3. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the surface of each rectangle.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the buttered dough.
5. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
6. Cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers of cheese inside.
7. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and then form the twisted dough into a circle or keep it as a long twist.
8. Place the twisted dough on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the twisted dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
4. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

This Cheese Twisted Bread is perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a side dish for soups and salads. The combination of soft, fluffy bread with the savory, gooey cheese is irresistible