The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Imagine a bread so irresistible that it practically begs to be torn apart and shared. This Cheesy Garlic Bubble Bread is a culinary masterpiece that combines the simplicity of just a few ingredients with the most decadent, flavor-packed experience. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1 cup Greek-style yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Metric Measurements
- 240g self-raising flour
- 240ml Greek-style yogurt
- 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30ml melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15g chopped parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin or ovenproof skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix until a soft dough forms. The mixture should come together easily and feel slightly sticky.
- Knead and Shape: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for a minute or two until the dough becomes smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- Form Dough Balls: Divide the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball. You should get about 12-15 balls depending on the size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This will be the flavor base for your bubble bread.
- First Layer: Brush some of the garlic butter into the prepared tin. Arrange the first layer of dough balls, ensuring they are close together but not completely touching.
- Cheese and Butter Layer: Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the dough balls. Drizzle with more garlic butter.
- Repeat and Finish: If your tin allows, create another layer of dough balls. Top with remaining cheese and any leftover garlic butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Final Touch: If using, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve warm and encourage guests to pull apart the bread.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximately):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes Servings: 6-8
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature yogurt for the best dough consistency
- Don’t overwork the dough – just knead until it comes together
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried herbs to the garlic butter
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking
- Let the bread rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier pulling
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Variations: Try cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses
- Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Prepare the dough balls and assemble in the tin, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
Q2: How do I store leftover bubble bread? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Q3: Can I freeze this bread? A: Yes, freeze unbaked or baked. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q4: What if I don’t have self-raising flour? A: Make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Q5: Can I make this bread without a round tin? A: Any baking dish will work. The key is to have the dough balls close together.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven
- Can be prepared 2-3 hours before baking
- Refrigerate assembled (unbaked) bread for up to 4 hours
- Reheat in oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes to restore texture
- Not recommended for long-term freezing due to yogurt in the dough
Get ready to wow your friends and family with this absolutely delectable Cheesy Garlic Bubble Bread – a dish that’s sure to disappear in minutes!