Soft Cheese-Stuffed Bread Boats with Herb Tomato Glaze
Yields: 10–12 Boats | Prep time: 20 mins (+1 hour rising) | Cook time: 20–25 mins
Ingredients
The Dough:
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200 ml Lukewarm milk
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200 ml Lukewarm water
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1 tbsp Sugar
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7 g (1 packet) Active dry yeast
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600-650 g All-purpose flour
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1 tsp Salt
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50 ml Vegetable oil
The Filling:
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300 g Feta cheese or soft white cheese, crumbled
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1 cup Shredded mozzarella
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1 Egg (optional, to bind)
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Fresh parsley, chopped
The Herb Tomato Glaze:
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2 tbsp Tomato paste
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3 tbsp Olive oil
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1 tsp Dried oregano or Italian herbs
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1 clove Garlic, minced
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast Base
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the 200 ml lukewarm milk, 200 ml lukewarm water, and 1 tbsp sugar.
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Sprinkle 7 g of active dry yeast over the top and stir gently.
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Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix and Knead the Dough
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Add 50 ml vegetable oil and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture.
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Gradually add 600-650 g of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
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Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a warm, damp cloth.
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Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Boats
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Punch the dough down to release air and divide it into 10–12 equal pieces.
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Roll each piece into an oval shape.
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Place a generous amount of the cheese filling (the crumbled feta, mozzarella, and parsley) in the center.
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Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and twist the ends to create a “boat” or twisted loaf shape.
5. Apply the Herb Tomato Glaze
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Whisk together the 2 tbsp tomato paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp herbs, 1 clove minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
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Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the dough boats generously with this savory glaze.
6. Bake
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange the boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
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Let the bread boats cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly.
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These are best served warm when the bread is at its softest.