Description
An easy pull-apart bread recipe featuring a savory filling of basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. This loaf is perfect as a side dish for family dinners or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 cups warm water (105-115°F / 40-45°C)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup basil pesto
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until dissolved, then let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare Dough Base: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then pour in the olive oil and mix until just combined.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Fill and Shape: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 20×30 cm (8×12 in) rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the top, leaving a small border on one long edge. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it firmly. Cut the log into 10-12 slices using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise and Bake Prep: Arrange the slices, spiral side up, in a lightly greased 9-inch round baking dish or 8×10-inch rectangular dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes in the dish before garnishing with fresh basil and serving warm.
Notes
To avoid a dense bread texture, ensure your yeast is fresh by checking for foam during activation and allow sufficient time for both rising stages until the dough visibly doubles in size.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg