Description
Pane Bianco with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious Italian stuffed bread featuring soft, twisted dough layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. This savory loaf blends rich cheeses and herbs with a tender, golden crust, making it perfect for snacks or alongside meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the warm milk, warm water, egg, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead the dough for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 22 by 8-inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and basil over the rectangle. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal the edges.
- Twist the dough: Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the center, leaving one end intact. Twist the two halves around each other with the filling facing upwards, then shape the twisted dough into an “S” shape. Tuck the ends underneath to form a neat loaf. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it, and allow it to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until it is golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and blot off any excess oil before chopping.
- You can substitute the basil with fresh spinach or add a few olives for a Mediterranean variation.
