Breadsticks with mortadella and cheese

Baguettes with Mortadella and Cheese - An Irresistible Delicacy

When it comes to simple yet flavorful dishes, baguettes with mortadella and cheese are an excellent choice! These baguettes are perfect for a quick lunch, a delicious snack, or even to impress guests at an informal dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that combines the light and fluffy texture of the dough with the rich flavors of mortadella and cheese. Get ready to enjoy a unique culinary experience, with an aroma that will delight your senses!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 6 baguettes

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 600 g white flour (preferably type 00 for a fine texture)
- 15 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 50 ml olive oil (adds a flavorful taste and fluffy texture)
- Warm milk (as needed, approximately 250-300 ml)

For the filling:
- 200 g sliced mortadella (you can also use other cold cuts or even vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- 250 g cheese (you can choose between classic cheese or more flavorful varieties)
- Milk or beaten egg (for brushing)
- Poppy seeds (for a crunchy and decorative look)

A Brief History

Stuffed baguettes have a rich history, being an excellent way to transform basic dough into a delicacy. Their origins lie in baking traditions when people would fill their bread with various available ingredients, from cold cuts to cheeses and vegetables. Each culture has added a personal touch to this type of dish, and today, baguettes with mortadella and cheese are widely appreciated.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve 15 g of yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 100 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an indication that the yeast is active and ready to rise your dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift 600 g of flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, 50 ml of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the warm milk until you obtain a smooth dough.

3. Kneading:
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough should remain soft and fluffy.

4. Rising:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to prepare your filling ingredients!

5. Filling the baguettes:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a thin sheet (about 0.5 cm thick). Place slices of mortadella and cubes of cheese on each sheet, leaving the edges free.

6. Shaping the baguettes:
Fold the edges of the sheets inward, then roll them tightly to form the baguettes. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Brushing and sprinkling:
Brush the top of the baguettes with milk or beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds for a crunchy and decorative look.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the baguettes for 25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Baguettes with mortadella and cheese can be served warm, as an appetizer or accompanied by a fresh salad. You can also add a yogurt sauce with herbs or mustard sauce for an extra flavor. These baguettes are also great cold, perfect for picnics or quick snacks.

Variations and Tips

- Filling variations: Instead of mortadella, you can use ham, salami, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Cheese can be replaced with feta or mozzarella, depending on preferences.
- Flavoring the dough: Add dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, to the dough for an extra flavor.
- Storing the baguettes: If you have leftover baguettes, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and to reheat them, place them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutritional Benefits

These baguettes contain carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and nutrients from olive oil, which is a good source of healthy fats. Mortadella adds protein but can be high in sodium, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 15 g of fresh yeast, but make sure to dissolve it well in warm milk.

2. How can I make the baguettes lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of oil and use low-fat cheese or replace mortadella with fresh vegetables.

3. What is the secret to fluffy baguettes?
Properly kneading the dough and letting it rise in a warm place are essential for achieving light and fluffy baguettes.

Try this simple and quick recipe for baguettes with mortadella and cheese and enjoy a delicious dish that will surely become a family favorite!