Sep 10 2026
RestaurantsPizza at the Brick OvenBroccoli Bread Recipe

Broccoli Bread Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves8

Make Broccoli Bread Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate and mix

    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) with the sugar and sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in warm milk and olive oil.

  2. 2

    Combine dry and wet

    Whisk together the flour and 1 tsp salt in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium for 6–7 minutes). Dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add up to 2 tablespoons more flour if overly sticky.

  4. 4

    First rise

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60–75 minutes.

Broccoli & Fillings

  1. 5

    Prepare broccoli

    While dough rises, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch chopped broccoli florets for 1 minute until bright green and just tender. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels; squeeze to remove excess moisture.

  2. 6

    Sauté garlic and combine

    Thinly mince or grate garlic. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and gently sauté garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add the drained broccoli, lemon zest, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper; toss 1–2 minutes to combine and remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature.

  3. 7

    Add cheeses

    Transfer cooled broccoli mixture to a bowl and stir in shredded cheese and grated Parmesan until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning; mixture should be well-seasoned because some salt is lost during baking.

Assembly & Bake

  1. 8

    Shape and fill

    After dough has doubled, punch down gently. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch dough into a roughly 12x8 inch rectangle (about 1/2 inch thick). Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides. Fold the short edges inward and roll from a long side into a tight log, seam side down. Alternatively, you can fold into a freeform loaf or create individual rolls. Place the rolled loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the seam down; pinch ends to seal.

  2. 9

    Second rise

    Cover the shaped loaf lightly with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let rise 30–40 minutes until slightly puffy.

  3. 10

    Preheat and egg wash

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk the whole egg with 1 tsp water to make an egg wash. Brush the loaf lightly with egg wash and sprinkle flaky sea salt and optional crushed red pepper. Brush a little olive oil over the loaf for sheen if desired.

  4. 11

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes until the crust is golden brown and internal temperature reaches about 200°F (93°C). If top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 8–10 minutes.

  5. 12

    Rest and serve

    Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets and the filling settles. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side bread.

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