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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. Rest & Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm, plain or with:

  • sour cream

  • yogurt-garlic sauce

  • honey (sweet-salty combo 🔥)

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.