Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown bread loaded with gooey melted cheese and savory pepperoni - a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary bread into an irresistible flavor sensation. This Cheese and Pepperoni Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a journey of taste that combines the classic Italian flavors of cheese and pepperoni into a stunning homemade loaf that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or your choice)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dough and continue to mix until the oil is fully incorporated.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, transfer it back to the floured surface.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches in size. Make sure the thickness is even.
- Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Pinch the seams and ends of the dough to seal it well. Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a greased baking sheet or a parchment-lined baking pan.
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 10-15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the oven is preheated, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Cheese and Pepperoni Bread!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your warm water is precisely between 105-115°F to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Knead with Confidence: Don't be shy when kneading - a good 5-7 minutes develops the gluten and creates a better bread texture.
- Rising is Crucial: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise, like near a preheating oven or in a slightly warm room.
- Cheese Selection: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
- Even Distribution: When adding pepperoni and cheese, spread them evenly to ensure every slice is packed with flavor.
- Seal Carefully: When rolling your bread, pinch the seams tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the internal structure to set, making cleaner slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
