Cheese and potato pie

Fluffy Bread with Cheese and Potatoes: A Delicacy Found in Every Home

If you are looking for a recipe that combines flavor and comfort in a single dish, you have come to the right place! This bread with cheese and potatoes is a perfect choice for family meals or a gathering with friends. It is soft, fluffy, and full of taste, and each bite will make you feel at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 slices

A Bit of History
The bread is a type of traditional loaf, often associated with celebrations and special moments. The version with cheese and potatoes combines simple yet nourishing ingredients in a way that has been appreciated over time. This recipe has been adapted from basic recipes, adding a touch of innovation to transform a simple loaf into an unforgettable delicacy.

Ingredients
- 1.3 kg all-purpose flour
- 60 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 400 ml milk (slightly warmed)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (about 400 g of potatoes)
- 200 g grated cheese
- 100 ml olive oil (recommended for a more intense flavor)
- 2 eggs

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
1. Start by peeling 3-4 potatoes (about 400 g) and cutting them into cubes.
2. Boil them in a pot with water and a teaspoon of salt. Let them cook until soft (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Once cooked, drain the water and mash them with a potato masher.
4. Add the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and the grated cheese to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. This mash will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor to your bread.

Preparing the Dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the warm milk. Add the sugar to activate the yeast and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil, eggs, mashed potatoes, and the yeast mixture.
3. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until a dough forms. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

Kneading and Rising
1. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
2. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Bread
1. After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 3 equal parts.
2. Braid the 3 parts to form a loaf.
3. Place the formed loaf in a deep baking tray to help it rise nicely.

Rising and Baking
1. Let the loaf rise in the tray for 15-20 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
2. Preheat the oven to 170°C.
3. Brush the loaf with olive oil to achieve a golden and tender crust.
4. In the center, you can add a small glass of water to create a small indentation, giving the loaf a rustic look.
5. Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes or until golden and sounds hollow when tapped lightly.

Serving and Suggestions
Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a festive meal. It is delicious and simple to make, and its aroma will fill your home with joy.

Variation Suggestions
- You can add dried herbs (such as oregano or basil) to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- Replace the cheese with feta or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
- Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, for a healthier version.

Nutritional Benefits
This bread recipe is rich in carbohydrates, providing quick energy from the flour and potatoes. The cheese adds protein and calcium, while the olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I use instead of fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, but you will need to reduce the amount to about 20 g.

2. How can I keep the bread fresh longer?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! You can experiment with olives, peppers, or caramelized onions to add a touch of originality.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this bread with cheese and potatoes will surely become a staple recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy every moment spent cooking and relish the final result!