Delicious Maize Monkey Bread

This delightful maize monkey bread is a savory twist on the traditional sweet treat. It is characterized by its light, fluffy texture and filled with cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The bread is not only easy to make but also an exciting project for any home baker looking to try something new. Its flaky exterior, rewarded by a dreamy softness on the inside, makes it a wonderful addition to any meal. The inclusion of sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty flavor and a beautiful golden crust. This bread can be adjusted to suit different tastes by changing the filling or leaving it plain. Perfect for gatherings, this bread can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving. It's ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a tasty snack during any time of the day. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering creation that's easy to enjoy and hard to resist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

½ packet dry yeast (approx. 11g)
100 ml milk
1 egg
150 g sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
100 g butter or margarine
150 g cheese (50 g for the dough, 100 g for filling or all in the dough)
300 g flour

Other Ingredients

Sesame seeds for coating

Preparation Time

Total: 180 minutes (includes preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Activate Yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 50 ml of warm milk. Cover this mixture and allow it to rise until frothy.
Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg with the remaining sugar and salt. Add the rest of the milk, sour cream, and grated cheese to this egg mixture. Incorporate the risen yeast mixture.
Form Dough: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients. Mix well and knead until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
First Rise: Grease a bowl with some oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape Dough: After the dough has risen, create small balls about the size of a small mandarin. Flatten each ball slightly, place a piece of cheese in the center, and reshape them into balls.
Prepare Balls: You should have approximately 15 balls. Melt the butter and roll each ball in it, then coat with sesame seeds.
Assemble Bread: Arrange these prepared balls in a greased baking dish. Pour any remaining melted butter over the dough balls.
Second Rise: Place the baking dish inside a bag and let it sit in a warm place for additional 40 minutes.
Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 390°F). Bake the bread for 20-30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown.
Enjoy: Once done, the bread should be soft, fluffy, and easy to pull apart. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite meals.

Tips

Cheese Variation: Substitute cheese with other fillings like garlic butter, herbs, or even something sweet for a different taste.
Dough Handling: If the dough sticks, flour your hands lightly and continue kneading until smooth.
Sesame Seeds: For additional flavor, consider toasting sesame seeds lightly before using.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 240 per serving
Protein: 7g
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 24g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy this bread.
Vegan Option: Replace milk with plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free cheese with plant-based butter.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Soups: Complements vegetable, tomato, or chicken soups beautifully.
Side Dish: Serve as a starter or alongside hearty salads.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.

Best Places

Le Pain Quotidien - Offers a cozy atmosphere with rustic bread options. Location: 8 rue des Petits Champs, Paris, France.
Poilâne Bakery - A historic bakery known for its quality bread. Location: 8 rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
Tartine Bakery - A popular spot for artisanal bread. Location: 600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, USA.
Fournée Bakery - Known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients in every bake. Location: 2912 Domingo Avenue, Berkeley, USA.
E5 Bakehouse - An East London artisan bakery specializing in sourdough. Location: 395 Mentmore Terrace, London, UK.
BREAD - Pan & Apfel - Provides a modern take on classic bread making. Location: 1 Rykestraße, Berlin, Germany.
Gerbeaud Café - Combines tradition with innovation in baked goods. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary.
Destination Doughnuts - Although primarily for doughnuts, their bread options are delightful. Location: 7800 E. Tufts Avenue, Denver, USA.
La Baguette - Famous for its baguette varieties. Location: 22 rue des Tanneurs, Strasbourg, France.
Tartine Grand Central Market - Known for innovative use of seasonal ingredients. Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, USA.