Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly easy and tasty recipe for gorgonzola and walnut bread homemade! Perfect for a quick snack, a sophisticated appetizer, or as a special side for salads, soups, and main courses, this little bread will win you and your guests over with its soft texture and irresistible flavor. Discover how to make this delicious bread in under an hour and elevate your culinary moments to a new level.
Why Choose the Quick Gorgonzola and Walnut Bread Recipe?
In the rush of everyday life, we don’t always have time for long kitchen preparations. That’s when quick and practical recipes like this gorgonzola and walnut bread become true treasures. Besides the convenience, this recipe offers numerous advantages:
- Incredible Speed: From preparation to the table in under 60 minutes! Ideal for those moments when you need warm, tasty bread without hassle.
- Simplicity in Preparation: Accessible ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, perfect even for those with little kitchen experience. No mixer needed, just a bowl and your hands!
- Sophisticated Flavor: The striking combination of gorgonzola cheese with the crunch of walnuts elevates this little bread to a gourmet level, surprising the palate with an explosion of flavors.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for various occasions! Serve at breakfast, brunch, afternoon snack, as an appetizer before dinner, or alongside your main meals.
- Fresh and Quality Ingredients: By preparing it at home, you ensure the use of fresh, selected ingredients, resulting in a gorgonzola and walnut bread much tastier and healthier option than industrialized ones.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Gorgonzola and Walnut Bread
To prepare this delicious recipe for gorgonzola and walnut bread, you will need simple and easy-to-find ingredients. The quality of the ingredients, especially the gorgonzola cheese, will make all the difference in the final flavor of your bread:
Wheat Flour: The Structural Base of the Bread
Wheat flour is the main ingredient, responsible for giving structure and texture to your gorgonzola and walnut bread. Use plain wheat flour, without leavening.
- Ideal Quantity: About 1 and ½ cups of wheat flour (around 180 grams) is enough for this recipe. Start with this amount and add more if necessary until the dough reaches the correct consistency.
- Important Tip: Avoid adding too much flour! The secret to soft and light bread is working with wetter dough. Dust the work surface with flour just enough to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it.
Cold Gorgonzola Cheese: Intense and Creamy Flavor
Gorgonzola cheese is the star of this recipe, giving a distinctive taste and creaminess to the gorgonzola and walnut bread. Use good quality gorgonzola cheese and make sure it’s well chilled.
- Proper Amount: 75 grams of cold, crumbled gorgonzola cheese are perfect to balance the flavor and ensure the cheese is present in every bite.
- Cheese Variations: If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute part of the gorgonzola with another blue cheese of your choice, like roquefort or stilton. The choice of blue cheese will directly affect the flavor profile of your bread.
- Why Chilled?: Using chilled gorgonzola, as well as butter and milk, is crucial for the dough’s lightness. Cold ingredients prevent the dough from becoming greasy and heavy, resulting in a fluffier and airier bread.
Cold Butter Cubes: Softness and Extra Flavor
Cold butter contributes to the softness and moisture of the gorgonzola and walnut bread, while adding an extra touch of flavor. Use unsalted, well-chilled butter cut into small cubes.
- Necessary Amount: 35 grams of cold butter cubes are enough to achieve the desired texture without making the bread too greasy.
- Substitutions: For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute part of the butter with extra virgin olive oil, but butter gives a more authentic flavor and texture.
Cold Milk: Moisture and Binding for the Dough
Cold milk is used to moisten the dough and bind the ingredients, forming a homogeneous and easy-to-work dough. Use chilled whole milk for a richer result, or skimmed milk if you prefer a lighter option.
- Exact Quantity: ½ cup of cold milk (120 ml) is ideal for this recipe. Add the milk gradually until reaching the desired dough consistency.
- Why Cold Milk?: Just like the cheese and butter, cold milk helps maintain the dough’s lightness and prevents it from becoming heavy or oily.
Coarsely Chopped Walnuts: Crunch and Intense Flavor
Walnuts are the final touch of flavor and texture in this gorgonzola and walnut breadrecipe. They add crunch and a woody flavor that pairs perfectly with gorgonzola cheese.
- Ideal Quantity: 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts is the perfect amount to ensure crunch without overloading the dough.
- Nut and Chestnut Variations: If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts of your choice, such as pecans, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. Each type of nut will add a different flavor twist to your bread.
- Toasting the Walnuts (Optional): To enhance the flavor of the walnuts, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet before adding them to the dough. Be careful not to burn them!
Baking Powder: Quick and Practical Rise
Baking powder is the leavening agent in this recipe, responsible for making the gorgonzola and walnut bread rise quickly in the oven without the need for long fermentation times.
- Correct Amount: 1 and ½ teaspoons of baking powder are sufficient to ensure proper rising of the bread.
- Difference from Yeast: Baking powder works faster than yeast, making this bread recipe even more practical and quick.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhancing Flavors
Salt and black pepper are simple but essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors of the gorgonzola and walnut bread. Black pepper adds a subtle spicy touch that complements the flavor of the gorgonzola.
- Salt to Taste: Use 1 teaspoon of salt or adjust to taste. Remember that gorgonzola cheese is already salty, so start with less salt and adjust if needed.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Grind fresh black pepper for a more intense and aromatic flavor. Amount to taste, but a generous pinch enhances the flavors without making the bread too spicy.
Detailed Preparation Method: Step by Step for Gorgonzola and Walnut Bread
Now that you know the ingredients, here’s the detailed step-by-step to prepare this delicious gorgonzola and walnut bread homemade:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat the oven: Turn on the oven and preheat to 200°C (high temperature). A preheated oven ensures the rolls bake evenly and rise properly.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Set aside a medium baking sheet. No need to grease it, as the rolls don’t stick. If you prefer, you can line the sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but it’s not necessary.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper: In a large bowl, add the wheat flour, salt, baking powder, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Mix well: Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients. This step ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed in the dough.
Step 3: Add Cold Gorgonzola Cheese and Butter
- Incorporate gorgonzola and butter: Add the crumbled gorgonzola cheese and cold butter cubes to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Mix with your fingertips: With your fingertips, start crumbling the butter and gorgonzola together with the dry ingredients. The goal is to get a coarse crumbly texture, with visible bits of butter and cheese. Do not overwork the dough at this stage.
Step 4: Add Cold Milk and Walnuts
- Incorporate the cold milk: Pour the cold milk into the bowl with the crumbly mixture.
- Add the chopped walnuts: Add the coarsely chopped walnuts.
- Mix quickly: Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Don’t worry about smoothing the dough or if there are still visible butter bits. The dough will be sticky and somewhat tacky – that’s the correct consistency.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Dust the surface with flour: Lightly dust a clean, smooth surface with wheat flour. Use just enough flour to prevent the dough from sticking too much.
- Transfer the dough to the floured surface: Pour the dough onto the floured surface.
- Work the dough quickly: With lightly floured hands, work the dough very quickly just enough to form a soft ball that comes away from your hands. Avoid kneading too much as this can make the bread heavier. The goal is just to shape the dough.
- Flatten the dough: Using the palm of your hand, flatten the dough ball to about 2 cm thickness.
- Cut the rolls: Use a round cookie cutter about 3 cm in diameter or the rim of a small glass to cut the rolls. You should get about 16 small rolls, perfect for appetizers or a bread basket variety. If you prefer larger rolls, cut circles about 5 cm in diameter, yielding about 12 rolls.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Transfer the cut rolls to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them with a small space between each.
Step 6: Bake in the Preheated Oven
- Bake in the oven: Take the baking sheet with the rolls to the oven preheated to 200°C.
- Baking time: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls have risen, are golden, and slightly firm to the touch. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Check doneness: To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into one of the rolls. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven: Remove the baking sheet from the oven as soon as the rolls are golden and baked through.
- Serve warm: Serve the gorgonzola and walnut rolls immediately, still warm. They are tastier and softer when fresh.
- Serving options: Serve with butter, honey, jams, chutneys, creamy cheeses, salads, soups, or as a side for main dishes. Get creative and pair with your favorite accompaniments!
- Storage: The rolls remain delicious even the next day, especially if reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Extra Tips and Delicious Variations
- Add dried fruits: For a sweet touch and even more flavor, try adding about 3 chopped dried figs or 5 chopped dried apricots to the dough. Dried fruits pair very well with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts.
- Try other nuts: Vary the flavor by using other nuts such as pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, or almonds instead of regular walnuts. Each type of nut will add a unique touch of flavor and texture.
- Varied Blue Cheeses: Explore different types of blue cheese beyond gorgonzola. Roquefort, stilton, or even a milder blue cheese can be used, changing the flavor profile of your bread.
- Herbal Aromatic Touch: Add chopped fresh herbs to the dough, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, for an extra aroma and flavor boost.
- Gorgonzola and Honey Bread: Serve the warm rolls with a drizzle of honey on top. The sweet combination of honey with the salty flavor of gorgonzola is irresistible!
Serve and Impress: Gorgonzola and Walnut Bread for All Occasions
This gorgonzola and walnut bread quick bread is perfect for various occasions, from a casual daily snack to a more special event:
- Quick and Tasty Snack: Prepare for a special afternoon snack, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.
- Sophisticated Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer at a gathering with friends or family, accompanied by cheeses, pâtés, chutneys, and a glass of wine.
- Perfect Side Dish: Complement your meals! This roll is delicious with salads, soups, creams, broths, grilled or roasted meats, and stews. It elevates any simple dish to a higher level of flavor.
- Assorted Bread Basket: Include this gorgonzola and walnut bread in a basket of assorted homemade breads for a special brunch or a gourmet gift.
- Handmade Gift: Bake a batch of rolls and offer them as a delicious, lovingly made gift for friends and family.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Simplicity and Flavor of Gorgonzola and Walnut Bread
With this practical and uncomplicated recipe, you can prepare an gorgonzola and walnut bread incredibly tasty homemade bread in minutes. Be surprised by the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a delicious bread with your own hands. Try it today and add this versatile roll to your favorite recipe collection! Bon appétit!
Image Source: bonissima