St. Louis-style Cheesy Bread

Ingredients

In this St. Louis adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Georgian cheese with a combination of Provel and cheddar cheese, which are popular in St. Louis cuisine. The bread is also slightly sweeter compared to the original, reflecting the preference for sweeter flavors in St. Louis-style dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Mingrelian khachapuri, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (120g) Provel cheese, shredded 1 cup (120g) Provel cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (120g) cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup (120g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh parsley, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 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 circle, approximately 10 inches in diameter.
8. 8.
   In a bowl, mix together the Provel and cheddar cheese.
9. 9.
   Spread half of the cheese mixture on one of the dough circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Place the second dough circle on top and seal the edges by pressing them together.
11. 11.
    Brush the top of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
14. 14.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Provel cheese — Provel cheese is a unique blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone cheeses. If you can't find Provel cheese, you can substitute it with a combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese.
• Cheddar cheese — Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor in the bread.
• Fresh parsley — If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. However, fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and color to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Serve the St. Louis-style Cheesy Bread with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique twist on this recipe.
• Make sure the dough is well-risen before baking to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Louis-style Cheesy Bread as an appetizer or alongside your favorite St. Louis-style dishes. It pairs well with barbecue, fried chicken, or a hearty salad.

Presentation advice

Present the St. Louis-style Cheesy Bread on a wooden cutting board or a serving platter. Cut it into wedges and garnish with additional fresh parsley for an appealing presentation.