O ham and cheese stuffed bread is a practical, flavorful recipe that works for almost any time of day. It combines soft homemade dough with a simple savory filling for a golden, cozy, and very satisfying result.
What is ham and cheese stuffed bread?
O ham and cheese stuffed bread is a savory stuffed bread made with yeast dough and baked until golden. In Brazil, this style of filled bread is often called americano and is served as a snack or quick meal in bakeries, snack shops, and home kitchens.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Soft, light dough that is easy to work with.
- A simple, melty, savory filling.
- Great for snacks, lunch boxes, afternoon bites, or quick meals.
- Budget-friendly, versatile, and perfect for homemade baking.
- Easy to adapt with other savory or sweet fillings.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients for this ham and cheese stuffed bread were chosen to create a soft, elastic dough that is easy to shape and ideal for savory fillings. The combination of liquid, fat, and yeast helps the dough rise, while the classic ham and mozzarella filling adds flavor, creaminess, and convenience. Below, you will see what each ingredient does and how to adapt the recipe to what you have.
- All-purpose flour: forms the base of the dough and gives it structure, elasticity, and shape.
- Yeast: makes the dough rise and gives the bread a lighter, airier texture.
- Sugar: helps activate the yeast and balances the flavor of the dough.
- Warm water: hydrates the ingredients and helps the yeast work properly. It should be warm, not hot.
- Salt: enhances the flavor and balances the dough.
- Oil: keeps the dough softer, more flexible, and easier to knead.
- Mozzarella cheese: melts as the bread bakes and makes the filling creamy and delicious.
- Ham: adds savory flavor and a light, tender texture to the filling.
- Oregano: adds aroma and a classic bakery-style finishing touch.
- Egg yolk: is brushed over the dough to give the bread a golden, glossy finish.
Possible substitutions
You can adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand while keeping a good balance between the dough and the filling. Some of the water can be replaced with milk for an even softer dough. The oil can also be swapped for melted butter, which adds more flavor but slightly changes the texture. The filling is easy to vary too. Replace the ham with shredded chicken, sliced sausage, turkey, or vegetarian options. The mozzarella can be replaced with other good melting cheeses, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or a deli-style American cheese blend.
See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the exact amounts.
How to prepare the dough
Choose a good-quality all-purpose flour, because it directly affects the final texture of the dough. Use warm water, never hot, so the yeast activates properly without being damaged. Then knead the dough well until it becomes smooth, elastic, and easy to roll out.
How to Make It
For all the details and exact measurements, check the full recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the warm water, oil, sugar, saltt, and yeast until well dissolved.
- Add the flour: Add the flour gradually and mix until a smooth dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rest for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and fill: Roll out the dough, cut it into a rectangle, and fill it with ham and mozzarella.
- Finish before baking: Fold the dough over the filling, place it in the pan, make shallow cuts on top, and brush with egg yolk. Sprinkle with oregano.
- Bake until golden: Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and cut into portions before serving.
Serving tip: Serve it warm, when the cheese is extra melty and the filling tastes its best.
Variations
The dough is very versatile, but different fillings can change the texture and flavor of the bread. Keep a good balance between dough and filling for the best result.
- Chicken and cream cheese stuffed bread: replace the ham with shredded chicken and add cream cheese for a creamy filling.
- Vegetarian stuffed bread: use cheese, tomato, corn, and herbs for a light and flavorful filling.
- Sausage stuffed bread: swap the ham for sliced smoked sausage or pepperoni and add onion for a stronger flavor.
- Sweet stuffed bread: replace the savory filling with guava paste and cheese, or chocolate and cream.
Tools and Equipment
Using the right tools makes each step easier and helps with the dough texture and rise. Good equipment also helps the bread bake more evenly.
- Large mixing bowl: essential for mixing the ingredients with enough room so the dough does not overflow.
- Whisk or spoon: helps dissolve the yeast and combine the liquids efficiently.
- Rolling pin: helps roll the dough evenly so it has the right thickness for the filling.
- Rectangular baking pan: ideal for holding the stuffed dough and helping it bake evenly.
- Parchment paper: keeps the dough from sticking and makes it easier to remove after baking.
- Pastry brush: used to brush on the egg yolk for a golden, prettier finish.
In my shop, you will find kitchen tools and equipment I use in my kitchen and at home.
Storage
Store the ham and cheese stuffed bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature if your kitchen is cool. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the portions well and store for up to 2 months to help keep the dough from drying out.
Tips
A few simple adjustments while making this ham and cheese stuffed bread make a big difference in the final result. Small details help you get a light, evenly baked bread with a balanced filling.
- Use warm water at the right temperature: it should feel warm, not hot, so it does not harm the yeast.
- Add the flour gradually: this makes mixing easier and helps prevent a heavy or dry dough.
- Respect the rising time: a full rise is important for a soft and airy dough.
- Roll the dough evenly: this keeps the filling well distributed and helps the bread bake evenly.
- Preheat the oven properly: this helps the dough rise better and gives the top a more golden finish.
- Watch the baking point: remove it when golden so the dough does not become too dry or overly browned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can use dry yeast following the amount recommended by the package.
Yes, but butter makes the dough richer and slightly denser.
Yes. Kneading helps develop the dough’s elasticity and makes the finished bread softer.
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Recipe
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Rolling pin
- Rectangular baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 650 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g dry yeast
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ cup warm water
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ cup oil
- Mozzarella cheese to taste
- Ham to taste
- Oregano to taste
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast to activate the yeast properly.
- Add the oil and saltt, then stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the flour gradually to avoid lumps and create a smooth dough.
- Knead the dough for 15 minutes to develop gluten and improve elasticity.
- Let the dough rest for 1 hour so the yeast can work and the dough can double in size.
- Roll out the dough, fill it with ham and cheese, then shape it into a rectangle.
- Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with oregano for color and aroma after baking.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, or until golden, so the dough cooks through properly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly, which makes slicing easier and helps the bread hold its shape.
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