Hey there, fellow foodies and baking enthusiasts! Today, we're embarking on a delightful culinary journey that's bound to bring a smile to your face - the art of making Bear Cheese Bread. 🐻🍞 If you're a fan of cute and savory creations that are as fun to make as they are to eat, you're in for a treat!
I recently discovered an adorable recipe for Bear Cheese Bread on Cotta and I couldn't wait to share the step-by-step guide with all of you. Whether you're planning a special snack for kids or simply want to add a touch of whimsy to your baking repertoire, this recipe has got you covered.
So, let's roll up our sleeves, preheat that oven, and create these charming Bear Cheese Breads together!
Ingredients:
For the Bear Bread Dough:
- 250g bread flour
- 30g granulated sugar
- 5g salt
- 5g instant dry yeast
- 160ml warm milk
- 20g unsalted butter, softened
- Black sesame seeds (for decorating eyes and nose)
For the Bear's Cheesy Filling:
- 100g shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the dry ingredients while stirring continuously.
- Once the mixture starts coming together, add the softened unsalted butter.
- Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bear Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Divide it into smaller portions (one for the bear's body and smaller portions for the ears, snout, and limbs).
- Take the larger portion and shape it into an oval or round shape for the bear's body.
- Roll the smaller portions into balls for the ears, snout, and limbs.
- Attach the smaller dough pieces to the body to create the bear's features, like ears, arms, and legs. Be creative with their positions to make your bear unique!
4. Add the Cheese Filling:
- Make a deep cavity in the center of the bear's body, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Fill the cavity with shredded cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese. This will become the "melty cheese" center of your bear.
5. Create the Bear's Face:
- Use black sesame seeds to make the bear's eyes and nose. Just press them into the dough gently.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Brush the entire bear with beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
7. Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your adorable bear creation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Let Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow your Bear Cheese Bread to cool slightly before slicing into it. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center and the satisfaction of creating this cute and delicious treat!
Bear Cheese Bread is a delightful snack that combines the comforting taste of freshly baked bread with the fun of sculpting adorable bear shapes. It's perfect for kids and the young at heart.
So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and let's create some Bear Cheese Bread magic. Happy baking and bear-making! 🐻🍞