Easy Breezy Cheesy Stuffed Bread: A Domino’s Copycat Recipe

Craving that cheesy, garlicky goodness of Domino’s Stuffed Cheesy Bread but don’t want to spend the money or wait for delivery? You’ve come to the right place! This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, homemade version that’s surprisingly easy to make and even tastier than the original. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish.

**Why This Recipe Works:**

* **Simple Ingredients:** Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the fillings to your liking – add vegetables, meats, or different types of cheese for a personalized twist.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making it at home is significantly cheaper than ordering from Domino’s, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
* **Surprisingly Easy:** Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is designed for beginner bakers and requires minimal effort.
* **Deliciously Cheesy and Garlicky:** The perfect combination of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.

**What You’ll Need:**

**For the Dough:**

* 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

**For the Filling:**

* 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Small bowl for melted butter mixture
* Pastry brush

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

**1. Activate the Yeast:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

**2. Prepare the Dough:**

* Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture.
* Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Start with 3 ½ cups and add more as needed until a shaggy dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bread tough.

**3. First Rise:**

* Lightly grease the mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
* Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature of your environment.

**4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:**

* While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the cheeses are evenly distributed.

**5. Make the Garlic Butter:**

* In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

**6. Assemble the Stuffed Bread:**

* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it in half. This recipe makes two loaves of stuffed cheesy bread.
* Roll out one half of the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches. The dough should be relatively thin, but not so thin that it tears easily.
* Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
* Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long edges. Pinch the seam to seal it completely.
* Transfer the rolled dough to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
* Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make several diagonal slits across the top of the bread, about 1 inch apart. This allows the steam to escape during baking and helps prevent the bread from bursting.
* Repeat steps 6-10 with the remaining dough and cheese mixture.

**7. Bake the Stuffed Bread:**

* Brush the tops of the stuffed breads generously with the garlic butter mixture.
* Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

**8. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the stuffed bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious additions.
* **Meat Lovers:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni, or bacon to the cheese filling for a meaty twist.
* **Veggie Delight:** Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives can be added to the filling for a vegetarian version.
* **Herb It Up:** Experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter. Fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary would all be great additions.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling. The cheese filling can also be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Baked stuffed cheesy bread can be frozen for later. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Garlic Butter Alternative:** For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter in the garlic butter mixture.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.
* **Crispy Crust:** For a crispier crust, brush the bread with olive oil or an egg wash before baking.
* **Adding a second Layer:** you can roll out second sheet of dough after filling and cover the filling. This adds another layer of buttery goodness to the final product.

**Troubleshooting:**

* **Dough Not Rising:** Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for activating yeast is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Also, make sure you are placing the dough in a warm place, free from drafts.
* **Dough Too Sticky:** Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes easier to handle. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread tough.
* **Bread Bursting:** Make sure you make enough slits on the top of the bread to allow steam to escape during baking.
* **Cheese Not Melting:** Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Also, make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
* **Burnt Crust:** If the crust is browning too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

**Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 350-450 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 40-60mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 15-20g

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Serve as an appetizer or side dish with pizza, pasta, or salads.
* Cut into smaller pieces and serve as party snacks.
* Enjoy as a satisfying snack on its own.
* Pair with your favorite dipping sauces.

This Easy Breezy Cheesy Stuffed Bread is a guaranteed hit! It’s a fun and rewarding baking project that will bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a cheesy masterpiece that rivals the Domino’s version. Happy baking!

**Enjoy your homemade Easy Breezy Cheesy Stuffed Bread! Let me know in the comments below how it turned out and what variations you tried!**