Herbed Yogurt Cheese Bread: A Savory Delight

by

Introduction

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 crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you’re looking for a stunning side dish or a standalone treat, this recipe promises to impress.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3¼ – 3½ cups (390-420g) wheat flour

For the Filling

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

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Dough Preparation

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yogurt, yeast, and sugar.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
  3. Whisk in egg, vegetable oil, and salt until well incorporated.
  4. Gradually add wheat flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Filling and Shaping

  1. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Spread softened butter evenly across the entire surface of the dough.
  3. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs and grated cheese uniformly.
  4. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log.
  5. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.

Baking

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Generously grease a baking pan with butter.
  3. Arrange bread slices in the pan, leaving slight space between each.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Cooking Details

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

Variations and Substitutions

Herb and Cheese Options

  • Experiment with different herb combinations
  • Try alternatives like Swiss, Gruyère, or goat cheese
  • Use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable

Dietary Modifications

  • Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend
  • Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese for vegan version
  • Replace wheat flour with whole wheat or spelt flour

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add garlic powder to the filling
  • Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top
  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or olives

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare the dough in advance?

A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

Q2: How do I store leftover bread?

A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Q3: Can I freeze this bread?

A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Q4: What if my dough doesn’t rise?

A: Ensure your yeast is fresh and water is warm (not hot) to activate properly.

Q5: What are the best serving suggestions?

A: Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or with soups and salads.