Bread with sheep cheese

Little Breads with Sheep Cheese: The Taste of Tradition in a Bite

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 little breads

Introduction:
If you have a deep love for fresh, warm bread with the enticing aroma of sheep cheese, then this recipe for little breads with cheese is exactly what you are looking for. This delicate dish combines tradition with innovation, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a family meal or as a snack between meals, these mini-breads are perfect for any occasion.

A Brief History:
Bread has been a staple food in human culture for thousands of years, and the combination with cheese has created delicious dishes in many corners of the world. Sheep cheese, with its creamy texture and intense flavor, adds a touch of saltiness and character to these little breads. It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can give rise to something truly special.

Ingredients:
- 600 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 650 for better texture)
- 400 ml warm water (about 37-40°C)
- 1 teaspoon iodized salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (olive oil brings a Mediterranean taste, but you can use sunflower oil)
- 250 g sheep cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds (for a crunchy and healthy touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine's bowl. First, put in the warm water, then the salt, sugar, and olive oil. These wet ingredients will help the yeast activate properly. Then add the flour and finally the yeast. Set the machine for a kneading and rising cycle of about 90 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and slightly sticky.

2. Shaping the Little Breads:
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Use a knife or spatula to cut the dough into equal-sized squares, enough to enclose a piece of cheese.

3. Filling and Shaping:
Place a piece of cheese on each square and fold it so that the cheese is well covered. Roll the squares in your palms to form small balls. Make sure they are well sealed so that the cheese doesn’t leak during baking.

4. Preparing for Baking:
Place the formed balls in a round baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a beaten egg to brush the surface of the little breads, then sprinkle grated cheese and flaxseeds on top. This step will add an appetizing look and a crunchy crust.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the tray with the little breads inside. Bake them for about 35 minutes or until they turn golden and have an enticing aroma. You will know they are ready when, if you tap them lightly on the bottom, they sound hollow – a sign that they are well baked.

Serving Suggestions:
These little breads with sheep cheese are delicious served warm, straight from the oven. You can accompany them with a yogurt dip with mint or a garlic dip for extra flavor. At a festive meal, you can arrange them on a platter alongside olives, cherry tomatoes, and slices of salami or prosciutto to create a perfect appetizer.

Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or brie, to add a personal touch.
- Flavoring: Add herbs to the dough – basil or oregano will give them a distinctive Mediterranean aroma.
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour to make the little breads healthier and more filling.

Nutritional Information:
Each little bread has approximately 120 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and protein due to the cheese. Sheep cheese provides calcium, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh, following the activation instructions on the package.
- How can I store the little breads? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.

These little breads with sheep cheese are not just a simple recipe, but an invitation to savor moments spent in the kitchen, to create together with loved ones, and to delight your taste buds. So, embark on culinary adventures and let yourself be carried away by the enticing aroma of fresh bread! Enjoy your meal!