Cozonac with cheese

Cheese bread – a delicacy that reminds us of beautiful holiday days, the warm scent of home, and moments spent with loved ones. This cheese bread recipe is not only easy to make but also extremely versatile, allowing you to experiment with various fillings. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare a fluffy and tasty cheese bread that will surely become a family favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour (total)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 2 eggs
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 700-800 g flour (type 000 or 550)
- rum essence (1 teaspoon)
- grated zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons oil (or melted butter)

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 1 egg

For greasing:
- water
- sugar (optional)

Prepare the starter

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 50 ml of lukewarm milk, the yeast, and one tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. The starter will become frothy and increase in volume.

Prepare the dough

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy. Add the remaining lukewarm milk, rum essence, and lemon zest. Mix well.

3. Adding the starter: Once the starter has risen, incorporate it into the yolk mixture.

4. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until you obtain a smooth dough. Finally, add the beaten egg whites, carefully folding them into the dough.

5. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the bowl's sides. Gradually add the oil, continuing to knead until fully integrated.

6. Let the dough rise: Sprinkle a work surface with flour, place the dough on it, and cover it with a towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Prepare the filling

7. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sweet cheese, sugar, vanilla essence, semolina, and egg. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture. It is important to use quality cheese that is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.

Assemble the loaves

8. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangular sheet, about 1 cm thick.

9. Adding the filling: Spread half of the cheese mixture on each sheet of dough, leaving edges free to seal the bread.

10. Rolling the dough: Carefully roll each sheet of dough into a tight roll. Place the rolls in baking trays lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them.

11. Second rising: Allow the loaves to rise again, covered, until they double in volume (about 30-40 minutes).

Baking the loaves

12. Preparing the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before baking, brush the loaves with water (you can also add a little sugar for a caramelized crust).

13. Baking: Bake the loaves on low heat for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature and bake at moderate heat for 45 minutes until golden. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the loaves are ready.

Serving and variations

Cheese bread is delicious served warm, but also cold, at breakfast or as a snack between meals. You can experiment with fillings of ground nuts, poppy seeds, or even chocolate, depending on your preferences. Additionally, instead of oil, you can use melted butter for a richer taste.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more aromatic bread, add a little cardamom or cinnamon to the filling.
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature to allow for even rising.
- Store the loaves in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Fats: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Proteins: 9 g

Cheese bread is not just a delicious recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring the family together. So gather your loved ones around the table, share stories, and enjoy this delicacy! Enjoy your meal!