Stuffed Cheese Bread - Fugazzeta Adapted to St. Kitts and Nevis Cuisine

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Fugazzeta is transformed into a Caribbean delight by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original recipe typically uses mozzarella cheese and onions as the main fillings, while our version includes a combination of goat cheese, cheddar, pineapple, and scotch bonnet pepper. These additions infuse the dish with a tropical twist, giving it a unique flavor profile that reflects the vibrant culinary culture of St. Kitts and Nevis. We alse have the original recipe for Fugazzeta, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 200g (7 oz) goat cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) goat cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) cheddar cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. 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 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 rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Spread half of the crumbled goat cheese, cheddar cheese, pineapple chunks, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper evenly over one of the dough rectangles.
9. 9.
   Place the other dough rectangle on top and seal the edges by pressing them together.
10. 10.
    Transfer the stuffed bread to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
13. 13.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Goat cheese — Make sure the goat cheese is crumbled and at room temperature for easy spreading.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Adjust the amount of pepper according to your spice preference. Be cautious as scotch bonnet peppers are very hot.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet pepper before chopping.
• Experiment with different combinations of local cheeses for a unique flavor.
• Serve the Stuffed Cheese Bread with a side of fresh salsa or a tangy dipping sauce.
• Customize the filling by adding other tropical fruits like mango or papaya.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Cheese Bread warm as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or party food.

Presentation advice

Slice the Stuffed Cheese Bread into individual portions and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The golden crust and oozing cheese will make it an enticing dish.