Quick Yogurt Herb Bread: A Rustic Culinary Delight

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Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flavor with this Quick Yogurt Herb Bread. A delightful combination of soft, pillowy dough, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese, this bread is a versatile treat that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re looking for a spectacular breakfast, a stunning side dish, or a delicious snack, this recipe promises to impress with its simplicity and extraordinary taste.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

  • 1/2 cup warm water (120 ml)
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt (80 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (3g)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (15g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 3¼ – 3½ cups wheat flour (390-420g)

For the Filling

  • 1/2 cup softened butter (113g)
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs (mix of parsley, thyme, and chives), finely chopped
  • 12 oz grated cheese (340g) – recommended: mix of mozzarella and cheddar
  • 1/3 cup butter for greasing (75g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yogurt, yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vegetable oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Prepare Dough: Gradually add wheat flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Creating the Herb and Cheese Filling

  1. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with finely chopped fresh herbs. Grate the cheese and set aside.

Assembling the Bread

  1. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches (45×30 cm).
  2. Add Filling: Spread the herbed butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the butter.
  3. Form Log: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a compact log. Ensure the seam is sealed.
  4. Slice and Arrange: Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Generously grease a baking pan with butter.
  5. Bake: Arrange the bread slices in the buttered pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving

  1. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Serve warm for the most delightful experience.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g

Pro Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
  • For extra flavor, experiment with different herb combinations.
  • Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rising results.

Enjoy this Quick Yogurt Herb Bread – a perfect blend of rustic charm and gourmet flavor!