Mozzarella and Basil Artisan Loaf
Mozzarella and Basil Artisan Loaf bakes up with a golden crust and a tender, airy crumb dotted with melted cheese and fragrant dried basil. Each wedge offers gentle milky richness balanced by herbaceous notes, perfect alongside soups, salads, or as a warm appetizer. Serve it fresh from the oven for casual dinners or cozy weekend gatherings.
- Prep30 mins
- Cook25 mins
- Serves16
- DifficultyMedium
- 1
Combine warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves; sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the water. Let it sit until the yeast softens and forms a creamy layer on top. Stir the yeast into the water. Stir in 1 cup flour and the salt to make a loose dough. Add 1 more cup flour, then mix in the mozzarella cheese, milk, and basil. Stir in the remaining 2 cups flour, adding 1/2 cup at a time.
- 2
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until well combined but still sticky, 5 to 8 minutes. Add flour while kneading if needed. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in an oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 3
Punch down the dough with your fist to deflate the large bubbles; turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Knead just long enough to remove any remaining bubbles, about 1 minute. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each into a round ball. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough balls on the prepared sheet. Slash an X on top of each loaf with a sharp knife. Cover the loaves with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 25 minutes.
- 4
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 25 minutes. Cut each loaf into 8 wedges to serve.
- Calories 246.31 kcal Moderate
- Protein 4.91 g Low Source
- Carbs 31.13 g Moderate
- Total Fat 10.92 g Moderate
- Saturated Fat 2.09 g Moderate
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 0.12 mg Low Source
- Sodium 69.64 mg Low Source
- Fiber 1.34 g Low Source
- Sugar 2.27 g Low Source
- Added Sugar 1.24 g Low Source
- Calcium 13.81 mg Low Source
- Iron 1.54 mg Low Source
- Potassium 20.01 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 3.54 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
- Vitamin D 0.04 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten