- Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) dry active yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - ¾ cup warm water (110°F or 43°C) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing) When I gather the ingredients for cheese stuffed garlic bread balls, I feel excited. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that delicious taste and texture. The all-purpose flour gives the dough its structure, while the yeast helps it rise. Sugar feeds the yeast, making it frothy and alive. Salt enhances the flavor of each bite. Next, we need warm water, around 110°F. This temperature helps the yeast activate. The olive oil adds richness, making the dough tender. Then comes the star of the show: the cheese! Mozzarella offers that gooey stretch, and cream cheese adds creaminess. We can't forget the flavor enhancers. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Italian seasoning brings a mix of herbs that make it all pop. Finally, melted butter brushed on top creates a golden, crispy finish. With these ingredients, you get a tasty snack that is hard to resist! For the full recipe, check out the details above. 1. Activating the yeast: Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work. 2. Mixing flour and salt: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. 3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten. 1. Combining cheese and seasonings: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of softened cream cheese. 2. Preparing garlic: Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely. This will add a great flavor to the filling. 3. Mixing ingredients: Add the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture. Stir it well until everything is combined. 1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. 2. Stuffing the dough balls: Flatten each piece of dough in your palm. Place a spoonful of cheese filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and pinch it closed to form a ball. 3. Baking process and timing: Place the stuffed balls seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Let them cool slightly before enjoying. For full instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get the right texture for the dough, you must knead it well. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its chewiness. I usually knead for about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water. Common issues with dough include it being too dense or not rising. If your dough is dense, it might need more kneading or warmth. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. A frothy yeast mixture means it’s ready to go! You can use different cheeses for the filling. Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or even feta. Mixing these with mozzarella adds a fun twist. Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can bring extra flavor. You might even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. These cheese stuffed garlic bread balls pair well with many dips. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. For something different, try ranch or a creamy garlic dip. A nice side salad can balance the richness of the bread. For beverages, I recommend sparkling water or a light red wine. Both will enhance the flavors and make your snack time more enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can play with the cheese in these bread balls. Try using cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese for a bold twist. Each cheese brings its unique flavor and texture. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese filling. This spice adds a fun surprise in every bite. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. These blends often work well in bread recipes. For a vegan alternative, swap out the cheese for a plant-based version. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese to keep it creamy. These changes keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. You can add global flair to your cheese stuffed garlic bread balls. For an Italian twist, include sun-dried tomatoes or basil in the filling. If you want a Mexican vibe, use pepper jack cheese and cilantro. Feel free to experiment with local ingredients that inspire you. This makes each batch unique and exciting. Let your cheese stuffed garlic bread balls cool for about 15 minutes. This helps keep them fresh. Use airtight containers for the best storage. Glass or plastic containers with lids work well. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. To freeze your cheese stuffed garlic bread balls, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, take them out and reheat. You can bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They will be hot and cheesy! In the fridge, these cheese stuffed garlic bread balls last about 3-4 days. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If they smell bad or feel slimy, it's best to throw them away. Fresh is always best! To make these tasty cheese stuffed garlic bread balls from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Activate the yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy. 2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. 3. Combine: Add the yeast mix and olive oil to the flour. Stir until it forms dough. 4. Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. 5. Rise: Put the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise for about 1 hour. 6. Prepare filling: Mix mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic, parsley, and seasoning. 7. Shape balls: Divide the dough into 12 pieces, stuff them with cheese, and form balls. 8. Bake: Brush with butter, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Common challenges include getting the dough to rise properly or keeping the filling from oozing out. If your dough isn’t rising, make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm, not hot. For the filling, pinch the dough tightly to avoid leaks. Yes, you can use pre-made dough for this recipe. Pros: - Saves time and effort. - Consistent texture and taste. Cons: - Less control over flavor. - May not rise as well as fresh dough. If you choose store-bought dough, look for pizza or bread dough. Follow the same steps for the filling and baking. Great dipping sauces can enhance your cheese stuffed garlic bread balls. Here are some tasty options: - Marinara sauce: This classic tomato sauce pairs well. - Garlic butter: Melted butter with garlic adds extra flavor. - Ranch dressing: For a creamy twist, try ranch. - Pesto: This basil sauce adds a fresh taste. These sauces make your snack even more enjoyable. Try them and find your favorite! Cheese stuffed garlic bread balls are simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, like flour, cheese, and garlic, as well as techniques for perfect dough and flavorful fillings. You learned about tasty variations and smart storage tips. These bites are great for sharing or enjoying alone. I hope you try this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!$

- Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

Indulge in the irresistible delight of Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls that are perfect for any occasion! With a flaky dough wrapped around a creamy garlic and cheese filling, these savory bites are sure to impress. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) dry active yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¾ cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup cream cheese, softened

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough rises, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Take each piece of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center and wrap the dough around it, pinching it closed to form a ball.

Place the stuffed balls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops of the balls with melted butter for a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12 balls