Dražgoški Kruhek - Slovenian Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 100g (3.5 oz) cottage cheese 100g (3.5 oz) cottage cheese
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated aged Gouda cheese 100g (3.5 oz) grated aged Gouda cheese
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated Emmental cheese 100g (3.5 oz) grated Emmental cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for topping Sesame seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
7. 7.
   Roll out each portion into a rectangle shape, approximately 1cm (0.4 inch) thick.
8. 8.
   Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the dough, followed by the grated Gouda and Emmental cheese.
9. 9.
   Roll up the dough tightly from the longer side, forming a log shape.
10. 10.
    Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down.
11. 11.
    Brush the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage Cheese — Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before spreading it on the dough to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced cheese flavor, you can experiment with different types of aged cheeses.
• Serve the Dražgoški Kruhek warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Dražgoški Kruhek is best served warm, either as an appetizer or as a side dish. It pairs well with soups, stews, or can be enjoyed on its own. Slice it into thick pieces and serve with a dollop of butter or a side of your favorite dip.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, on top of the bread before baking. This will add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the final dish.