Cheesy Feta and Gouda Stuffed Bread Rolls (Greek-Inspired Recipe)

Ingredients

• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant active yeast
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 oz (230 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 8 oz (200 g) shredded gouda cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon dried crushed oregano
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fine semolina flour for trays, optional
• Water, for brushing
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   In the bowl of a tabletop mixer fitted...: In the bowl of a tabletop mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the water, sugar, yeast, and 1/4 cup flour. Whisk together and let sit 8 minutes, until the yeast activates and a puffy cloud forms on top.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour...: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add to the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

3. 3

   Knead on low speed 10 minutes, until smooth...: Knead on low speed 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. 4

   Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil....: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer dough into the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to rise until doubled in volume.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, prepare the filling: combine feta, gouda, mint,...: Meanwhile, prepare the filling: combine feta, gouda, mint, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line...: Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with semolina, if using.

7. 7

   Transfer dough to a clean work surface. Divide...: Transfer dough to a clean work surface. Divide into 10 equal portions. Flatten each into an oval. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of filling in the center. Roll up into a bread roll, pinching seams to seal.

8. 8

   For a light topping: place rolls seam-side down...: For a light topping: place rolls seam-side down on trays. Brush tops with water and sprinkle sesame seeds.

9. 9

   For full sesame coating: brush each roll all...: For full sesame coating: brush each roll all over with water. Spread sesame seeds in a shallow pan. Roll the dough pieces in sesame until coated, then place on trays.

10. 10

    Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown all around....: Bake 20–25 minutes, until golden brown all around. Cool slightly before serving.