Description
This enchanting bread captures the spirit of the holiday season, filled with melted mozzarella and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk or water (warmed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 8½ oz mozzarella cheese, cubed (or approx 8 string cheese sticks)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Combine all the dough ingredients except for the softened butter in a bowl. Gradually stir until no dry flour is visible. Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate the softened butter and knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into 30-33 pieces, each around 7 grams.
- Punch down the dough, divide into balls, each weighing 19-20 g, and cover to relax for 10 minutes. Insert cheese into each ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a Christmas tree design on a baking sheet and proof for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
- Perform a finger poke test on the dough; if the indent remains, it’s ready.
- Mix 1 egg and 1 tbsp of water and apply the wash to each dough ball.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix chopped herbs with melted butter and brush on the baked bread. Sprinkle with grated cheese and optional red pepper flakes.
- Warm marinara sauce for dipping and serve.
Notes
Ensure dough rises in a warm environment for the best results. Experiment with different cheese types for flavor variations.
