These Cheesy Garlic Bombs are soft, pillowy bites of dough filled with melted, gooey cheese and infused with a rich garlic butter flavor. Baked until golden brown, they offer a delightful combination of a tender interior and a savory, cheesy, and aromatic exterior. Often brushed with extra garlic butter and sprinkled with herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning, these bombs are incredibly addictive and perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a satisfying snack. Their pull-apart nature makes them ideal for sharing at gatherings, and the burst of cheesy garlic flavor in each bite is simply irresistible, a treat that would be enjoyed by many in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or extra chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Whisk the salt and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. It should spring back gently when poked.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Given the current time in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan, a warm spot in your kitchen should be sufficient for rising.
- Prepare the Garlic Cheese Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley (or dried), and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Bombs: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12-16 equal-sized pieces.
- Fill the Dough: Flatten each piece of dough into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the garlic cheese filling in the center of each circle. Bring the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching them together at the top to seal the filling inside and form a ball.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the filled dough balls (seam-side down) on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the filled dough balls rise in a warm place for another 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven and Make Garlic Butter: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the dough is rising for the second time, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder (if using). Set aside.
- Bake the Bombs: Brush the tops of the risen dough balls generously with the melted garlic butter. Sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning or extra chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the cheesy garlic bombs from the oven and brush them with any remaining garlic butter. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful burst of cheesy garlic flavor with each pull-apart bite, a perfect treat to share with family and friends in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan.
Tips and Notes:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as cheddar, provolone, or a spicy cheese blend.
- Herb Variations: You can use other fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil in the filling or topping, depending on your preference and what’s available in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filled dough balls ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: These cheesy garlic bombs are great on their own or served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy garlic dip, which can be found in local stores in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan.
Enjoy these warm, cheesy, and garlicky delights! They are perfect for sharing and are sure to be a hit.