A soft, buttery, and cheesy bread loaf stuffed with gooey mozzarella and infused with aromatic garlic butter. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1½ to 2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated or shredded)
- (Optional): small bits of pepperoni, cooked bacon, or chopped veggies (bell pepper, onion, olives)
For Garlic Butter:
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 3–4 garlic cloves (minced or grated)
- ½ tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan
- Chilli flakes
- Dried herbs (basil, parsley, thyme)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix to form a soft dough.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and oregano (or Italian seasoning).
- Set aside to brush over the bread later.
3. Shape and Stuff the Bread
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll out the first portion into a flat circle (like a pizza base).
- Spread mozzarella and optional fillings evenly.
- Place the second rolled-out dough layer on top and seal the edges tightly.
- Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the bread to a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
- Once baked, brush with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with herbs, chili flakes, or Parmesan if desired.
5. Serve
- Slice and serve warm!
- Best enjoyed with marinara sauce, cheesy dip, or even soup.
Notes & Tips
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella gives the best stretch, but you can mix it with cheddar or provolone for flavor.
- Crispier Crust: Brush with olive oil instead of butter before baking.
- Extra Garlicky: Roast garlic before adding to butter for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- No oven? Cook covered in a skillet on low heat, flipping halfway until golden and the cheese melts.
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
Servings
- Makes 2 medium stuffed breads (serves 4–6 people).
Approximate Nutritional Info (Per Serving, 1/6th of loaf)
(Values may vary depending on toppings and cheese amount.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
Health Benefits
- Calcium & Protein: From cheese for bone and muscle health.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and heart health.
- Homemade Bread: Fewer preservatives and customizable ingredients.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
(Enjoy in moderation—it’s indulgent comfort food!)
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! It saves time and works perfectly—just let it rest for 20 minutes before shaping.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Q3: Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze baked bread for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q4: How can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes to the filling or mix a bit of hot sauce into the garlic butter.
Q5: Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan cheese and plant-based butter, and skip dairy—the result will still be delicious.