If you love warm, fluffy bread with gooey melted cheese inside, this Mozzarella-Stuffed Bread is about to become your new favorite recipe! 🧀🥖 Imagine biting into a golden, buttery crust, only to reveal a stretchy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious mozzarella filling.
Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack, this easy homemade bread is soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, dipping it into marinara sauce, or eating it straight from the oven, this bread is a must-try for all cheese lovers!
Ingredients for Mozzarella-Stuffed Bread
This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a soft, buttery bread with a melty cheese center.
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
For the Cheesy Filling:
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or cut into cubes for extra cheesiness!)
- ½ cup (50g) shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
How to Make Soft & Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Bread
This easy, homemade bread recipe comes together in a few simple steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg, mixing until a rough dough forms.
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Stuff with Cheese
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece and place a cube or spoonful of mozzarella in the center.
- Pinch the dough closed tightly around the cheese and roll into smooth balls.
Step 3: Arrange & Let It Rise Again
- Arrange the stuffed dough balls seam side down in a greased baking dish or a lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter & Serve!
- Mix butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, then brush it over the hot bread.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy that melty, cheesy pull-apart goodness!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Make it Extra Cheesy!
- Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for a more flavorful cheese pull.
- Add a little cream cheese inside for an extra gooey center!
Want a Crispier Crust?
- Brush the bread with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp milk) before baking.
No Yeast? No Problem!
- Swap the yeast dough for store-bought pizza dough for a quick version.
Make it Spicy!
- Add red pepper flakes or stuff with pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
Turn It into Garlic Bread
- Slice the bread open after baking and spread extra garlic butter inside!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or in the fridge for 3 days.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
- Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals (the cheese may melt faster than the bread).
Can You Freeze It?
- Yes! Freeze the baked bread in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Pizza dough works great for a shortcut.
2. What other cheese can I use?
Try cheddar, gouda, provolone, or cream cheese for a different flavor!
3. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the dough well and bake seam-side down.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
5. What dipping sauces go well with this?
- Marinara sauce 🍅
- Ranch dressing 🥛
- Garlic butter 🧄
- Pesto 🌿
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free yeast.
7. Can I make this in a loaf instead of rolls?
Absolutely! Just flatten the dough, add cheese, and roll it up like a log before baking.
8. What’s the best way to get a soft crust?
Brush the bread with butter right after baking and cover with a towel for 10 minutes.
9. How do I get the perfect cheese pull?
Use fresh mozzarella and eat while it’s still warm!
10. Can I add meat inside?
Yes! Try adding pepperoni, ham, or cooked bacon inside the cheese filling.
Conclusion
This Soft & Cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food! With a buttery golden crust, stretchy cheese center, and garlicky finish, it’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you crave a cheesy snack.
It’s easy to make, completely customizable, and totally addictive—so don’t be surprised if they disappear as soon as they hit the table!
🔥 Love cheesy bread? Try pairing this with Homemade Marinara Sauce or Creamy Garlic Butter Dip for extra flavor!