Description
Enjoy these soft and fluffy cream cheese-filled garlic butter bread balls, perfect for appetizers or side dishes. Bursting with flavor, they are sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. It might be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the kneaded 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 it doubles in size.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Set it aside in the refrigerator to firm up while the dough continues to rise.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly.
- Place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each flattened dough ball. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place the filled dough balls seam-side down in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each ball for rising.
- Cover the filled dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of each dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic in the topping according to your preference.
- These bread balls are best served warm and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes