Golden Cheese Bread Rings (Makes 6–8)

🧀 Golden Cheese Bread Rings (Makes 6–8)

Texture & flavor

• Outside: crispy, deeply golden

• Inside: fluffy bread + gooey, salty cheese

• Best served warm (dangerously good)

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Ingredients

Dough

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

Cheese Filling

• 1 ½ cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup (75 g) feta or farmer’s cheese (crumbled)
  (You can also use sulguni, provolone, or mild cheddar)

• 1 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese (optional but very good)

• Black pepper to taste

For Cooking

• 3–4 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for frying)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix:

   • warm milk

   • sugar

   • yeast
     Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add egg, oil, salt, and flour.

3. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.

5. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled.

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2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • mozzarella

   • feta

   • sour cream (if using)

   • black pepper

2. Mix until evenly blended.

3. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

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3. Shape the Rings

1. Punch down the dough and divide into 6–8 equal balls.

2. Roll each ball into a circle (4–5 inches wide).

3. Place 2–3 tablespoons of cheese filling in the center.

4. Gather edges up like a pouch and pinch closed.

5. Gently flatten, then poke a small hole in the center with your finger.

6. Stretch slightly to form a thick ring shape.

👉 Don’t make the hole too big—the cheese will try to escape.

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4. Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Heat oil or butter in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.

2. Place rings seam-side down.

3. Fry 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through.

4. Lower heat if they brown too fast.

Optional: Cover the pan for the first 2 minutes to help melt the cheese fully.

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5. Rest & Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm, plain or with:

  • sour cream

  • yogurt-garlic sauce

  • honey (sweet-salty combo 🔥)

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Pro Tips

• If dough springs back while shaping, let it rest 5 minutes.

• For extra crispiness, brush tops with butter after frying.

• These reheat beautifully in a pan or air fryer.