Crescia al Formaggio – A Delightful Italian Cheese Bread
Crescia al formaggio is a traditional Italian savory bread, rich with the bold flavors of two cheeses—Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino—combined with the subtle sweetness of honey and the richness of olive oil. This bread, often made for special occasions, is a perfect balance of texture and flavor, with a soft and airy crumb, thanks to the yeast, and a crusty golden exterior. Ideal for serving at family gatherings or as an accompaniment to a meal, this bread has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from your everyday loaf.
This Crescia al Formaggio recipe is straightforward, but the results are impressive, giving you a delightful Italian cheese bread that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect result every time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry yeast | 7g |
| All-purpose flour (Type 0) | 500g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 65g |
| Whole milk | 150g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 150g |
| Eggs | 285g |
| Honey | 12g |
| Salt (fine) | 10g |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Pecorino cheese (cut into cubes) | 100g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preparing your dough in a stand mixer, equipped with a dough hook. Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour into the mixing bowl. Add the dry yeast to the flour and mix them together. Gradually incorporate the grated Parmigiano Reggiano into the flour mixture.
Next, add the milk and honey to the mixture, followed by the eggs and olive oil. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated into a sticky dough. The consistency should be smooth, and the dough should begin to come away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Once the mixture is combined, continue kneading for 2 to 3 more minutes. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. At this point, gently fold in the cubed Pecorino cheese. The cubes should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding delightful pockets of creamy cheese flavor.
Step 3: Shaping and Proofing
Remove the dough from the mixer and transfer it onto a lightly oiled surface. Here, you’ll shape the dough by performing a series of folds. Take one edge of the dough and fold it towards the center. Repeat the same with the opposite side, folding the dough into a more compact, rectangular shape. Gently roll the dough into a round ball shape, ensuring the edges are sealed to prevent the cheese from spilling out during baking.
Grease a 1.3 kg (approximately 18 cm diameter and 10 cm height) baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Carefully place the shaped dough into the pan. Let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should expand and nearly reach the edge of the pan.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Place a small bowl of water in the bottom of the oven to create moisture, which will help achieve a soft crust on your Crescia al Formaggio.
Once the oven has reached temperature, place the baking pan into the oven. Bake for 70 minutes, ensuring that the bread cooks evenly. After 25 minutes, remove the small bowl of water from the oven, and continue baking the bread for the remaining time. If you notice the top of the bread starting to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Checking for Doneness
To check if the Crescia al Formaggio is fully baked, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If there is still batter on the toothpick, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once the Crescia al Formaggio is golden brown and fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
This Italian cheese bread is delicious on its own, perfect with a glass of wine, or as a side dish for any meal. The combination of Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheeses gives it a rich, savory flavor, while the slight sweetness from the honey rounds out the taste profile.
Enjoy your homemade Crescia al Formaggio with family and friends, and savor every delicious bite!
This recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, Crescia al Formaggio is a delightful, cheesy, and slightly sweet bread that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes or can simply be enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or a snack, this bread is sure to impress!
