Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe – The Ultimate Gooey, Pull-Apart Delight
There’s nothing more comforting than freshly baked bread that oozes melted cheese with every bite. This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread recipe takes homemade bread to the next level, combining soft, fluffy dough with a gooey mozzarella cheese filling that makes it irresistible. Perfect as a side dish, party snack, or even the star of your dinner table, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.
If you’ve ever browsed through my About Me page you know that I grew up in a home where bread-making was more than just a kitchen task—it was a tradition. The smell of fresh bread baking in the oven instantly takes me back to childhood, when weekends were filled with warmth, laughter, and shared meals. This cheesy stuffed bread carries on that same tradition, but with an indulgent twist: the gooey mozzarella center that makes every pull-apart bite unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread
- Gooey Cheese Pulls – Nothing beats the dramatic stretch of melted mozzarella in every slice.
- Homemade Comfort – Freshly baked bread that’s soft, warm, and golden brown.
- Versatile – Works as an appetizer, snack, or even a side with pasta, soup, or salad.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepped in advance and baked later.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread Recipe – The Ultimate Gooey, Pull-Apart Delight
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 100 g warm milk 1/2 cup
- 7 g active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 250 g all-purpose flour 2 cups
- 30 g soft butter 2 tablespoons
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- For the Finish:
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed or shredded
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, egg, butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- Let it rise: Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and fill: Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Flatten each piece, add mozzarella in the center, and seal well to form balls.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stuffed dough balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Add finishing touch: Brush hot bread with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix garlic powder into the butter before brushing.
- You can use other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a twist.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
Ingredients for Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread
For the Dough:
- 100 grams warm milk (½ cup)
- 7 grams active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 250 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 30 grams soft butter (2 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
For Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Cheese Filling:
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C)—warm but not hot. Stir in the honey and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to create that pillowy bread texture.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg, soft butter, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bread and Add Cheese
Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into equal portions and flatten each slightly. Place mozzarella cubes in the center and pinch the dough to seal tightly, forming little rolls. Arrange them close together in a greased baking dish or springform pan for a pull-apart effect.
5. Egg Wash and Second Rise
Brush the tops of the dough balls with a beaten egg. Cover and let rise again for about 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is puffed and golden brown. The aroma of freshly baked bread with hints of cheese will fill your kitchen.
7. Finish with Butter and Parsley
As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush it generously with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley. This adds shine, flavor, and a professional bakery-style finish.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cheese Choice: Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prevent Cheese Leakage: Seal the dough tightly around the cheese so it doesn’t ooze out during baking.
- Herb Upgrade: Mix Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the melted butter topping for added flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
Variations
- Garlic Mozzarella Bread: Add minced garlic to the butter topping for a garlic bread twist.
- Spicy Cheese Bread: Mix red pepper flakes with mozzarella for a spicy kick.
- Stuffed with Ham or Pepperoni: Turn it into a savory appetizer by adding cured meats inside with the cheese.
- Sweet Version: Swap mozzarella for cream cheese and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert bread.
Best Pairings
This bread shines as a side or appetizer. Pair it with creamy tomato soup, pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or lasagna, a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing, or wine pairings such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Storage and Reheating
Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked bread for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, but block mozzarella melts more smoothly and gives better cheese pulls.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, substitute equal amounts and skip the activation step—just mix directly into the flour.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread usually means the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or the yeast wasn’t fully activated.
Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead of rolls?
Yes, simply shape the dough into a loaf, stuff with cheese, and bake for a longer time (30–35 minutes).
Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 of 10 pieces)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 225 |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Bread is one of those recipes that combines everything we love about comfort food—warm, fresh bread and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, a holiday appetizer, or a snack to impress guests, this recipe never fails to deliver. Every pull-apart piece is fluffy, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy.
So the next time you’re craving bread with a little extra indulgence, skip the store-bought version and bake this homemade delight. One bite and you’ll know it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
