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Ingredients
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Dough
Cheese Filling & Topping
Finish / Egg Wash
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate yeast
Warm the water to about 105–115°F (warm to the touch). In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, yeast may be inactive—start with fresh yeast.
- 2
Combine wet ingredients
In a measuring cup or small bowl, warm the milk until lukewarm (about 100°F). Stir in the melted butter and the whole egg and whisk briefly to combine.
- 3
Mix dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and the milk/butter/egg mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Knead
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes). If dough is too sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- 5
Cheese Filling & Assembly
- 6
Prepare filling
While dough rises, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly distributed and smooth; the cream cheese will help bind the mixture.
- 7
Shape dough
After the dough has doubled, gently deflate and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or press the dough into a rough rectangle about 12 x 8 inches and roughly 1/2 inch thick.
- 8
Fill and roll
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the long edges. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the seam with a little water or flour paste.
- 9
Form loaf
Pinch the ends to seal. Place the seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan for a taller loaf. If using a baking sheet, gently curve the log into a horseshoe or keep straight.
- 10
Second rise
Cover the shaped loaf loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
Finish / Bake
- 11
Preheat oven & egg wash
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tsp water to make an egg wash.
- 12
- 13
- 14
