Soft Bread with Ham & Cheese: Easy Hand-Kneaded Recipe

Updated at: 27/06/2025

Craving a warm, comforting bread brimming with delicious fillings? Look no further! This recipe delivers a soft, pillowy bread perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or a simple, satisfying snack. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy rising times; this hand-kneaded recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a fluffy interior and a beautifully golden-brown crust every time. Imagine the satisfaction of biting into a homemade loaf filled with your favorite cheeses, meats, or vegetables.

The secret to this soft bread lies in a simple dough and a few clever techniques. We'll explore the importance of hydration and gentle kneading, resulting in a texture that melts in your mouth. This recipe provides a foundation for endless culinary creativity. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a truly irresistible treat? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Warm milk
  • Sugar
  • Yeast
  • Bread flour
  • Salt
  • Warm water
  • Beaten egg
  • Unsalted butter
  • Sliced ham
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cream (butter cream, mayonnaise, etc.)
  • Pepperoni (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Dough

  • Prepare warm milk and mix in sugar until dissolved.
  • Add yeast and mix until combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, combine bread flour, salt, and stir.
  • Add warm water, beaten egg, and the milk-sugar mixture. Mix well.
Prepare warm milk and mix in sugar until dissolved. [45.52]Add yeast and mix until combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes. [49.12]In a separate bowl, combine bread flour, salt, and stir. [68.36]Add warm water, beaten egg, and the milk-sugar mixture. Mix well. [81.2]
Prepare the Dough
  • Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and no longer sticks to the bowl.
  • Add softened unsalted butter and knead for another 5 minutes.
  • Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and no longer sticks to the bowl. [111.92]Add softened unsalted butter and knead for another 5 minutes. [173.12]Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. [219.879]
Prepare the Dough

Step 2. Prepare the Filling and Assemble

  • Tear ham into pieces.
  • Divide the risen dough into 4-6 pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a thin circle.
  • Spread cream on the dough, add ham and mozzarella cheese (or your desired filling).
Prepare the filling: Tear ham into pieces. [253.28]Divide the risen dough into 4-6 pieces. [286.36]Roll each piece into a thin circle. [319.88]Spread cream on the dough, add ham and mozzarella cheese (or your desired filling). [363.759]
Prepare the Filling and Assemble
  • Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
  • Let the filled dough rest for another 30 minutes.
Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges. [411.039]Let the filled dough rest for another 30 minutes. [485.72]
Prepare the Filling and Assemble

Step 3. Finish and Bake

  • Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. [508.039]Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. [535.12]
Finish and Bake

Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe

Tips

  • Use a hand massage method for kneading for a softer bread.
  • Adjust the amount of filling to your preference.
  • Keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
  • You can use different types of cream, such as butter cream, mayonnaise, or pizza sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 500-600
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Carbs: 50-60g
  • Protein: 20-25g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Experiment with your favorites – cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or even a blend would work well.

2. How long can I store leftover bread?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

3. What if my dough doesn't rise as much as expected?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm (not hot). A slightly cooler environment may also slow rising time.


This easy hand-kneaded recipe allows you to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade bread with minimal effort. The soft texture and flavorful ham and cheese filling make it a perfect treat for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and start baking your own delicious, personalized soft bread today!