Campanian 'Danube' savoury brioche
When thinking about this 'Danube' brioche, what immediately springs to mind is the famous sweet version, namely a brioche stuffed with apricot jam. Today we were inspired by the sweet Danube to create its savoury 'cousin'. We are thus going to make a delicately savoury brioche, stuffed with ham and smoked cheese, perfect to be enjoyed at a buffet with friends or as part of a birthday party spread.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
To make the dough for this sweet bread, you could just mix everything together in a mixer or food processor. If you make it by hand, dissolve the yeast in some lukewarm milk and add the sugar. Arrange the flour with a well in the middle, pour in the milk and yeast mixture, add the eggs and mix little by little with a fork. Add the butter and salt and mix until it forms a dough. Now cover the dough with a cloth and store in a warm, sheltered place to rise. Meanwhile, dice the ham and cheese. Now take the risen dough and roll it out. Cut it into many squares about 8 x 8 cm. Place a little ham and cheese in the centre of each square, then seal up the squares to form little balls. Arrange all the balls in a baking tin lined with parchment paper, nicely spaced out. Let the dough rise for another half hour, until the balls are just touching one another. Brush the surface of the brioche with some milk, then bake at 170°C for 30 minutes.
Step by step
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make a dough with all the ingredients
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Leave the dough to rise
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Take the dough
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Add the diced ham
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Add the diced cheese
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Arrange the little balls on a baking tray a reasonable distance from one another
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When the balls have risen again, brush them with some milk
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Bake the Danube bread at 170°C for 30 minutes
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Serve your savoury Danube bread
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Additional information
Savory Danube with Cooked Ham and Scamorza
One of the most appetizing variations of the Savory Danube is the one with cooked ham and scamorza. This preparation combines the softness of brioche bread with the strong flavor of ham and the creaminess of scamorza, creating a rich and enveloping filling. To make it, after preparing the base dough, you can fill the various pieces of dough with slices of cooked ham and cubes of scamorza. Baking in the oven will make the surface golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and stringy. This Danube is ideal for an aperitif, a buffet, or even as a main dish for an informal dinner among friends.
Neapolitan Savory Danube
The Neapolitan Savory Danube is a preparation that encapsulates the warmth and tradition of Campania. In this variation, in addition to the classic filling of ham and scamorza, you can add typical ingredients from Campanian cuisine, such as black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta, to give it an even richer and more authentic flavor. Baking takes place in the oven, allowing the surface to brown perfectly while the inside remains soft and flavorful. This dish is perfect for holidays or a family lunch, representing an excellent alternative to classic Neapolitan pizza.
Light Savory Danube Without Butter
For those who want to enjoy the Savory Danube but with an eye on health, it is possible to prepare a light version without butter. In this variation, butter is replaced with Greek yogurt or extra virgin olive oil, maintaining the softness of the dough. Additionally, you can choose light ingredients for the filling, such as lean raw ham and low-fat cheeses. This Danube is perfect for those following a balanced diet, without giving up the taste and soft texture of this delicious brioche bread. The baking process remains unchanged, and the final result will be a light and flavorful dish.
Benefits of Savory Danube: Calories and Nutrients
The Savory Danube, made with ingredients like Manitoba flour, milk, and eggs, offers a good supply of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Manitoba flour is known for its high gluten content, which gives the dough a soft and light consistency. Cooked ham provides high-quality protein, while scamorza adds calcium and phosphorus. On average, a serving of Savory Danube can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the size of the portion. This dish is therefore an excellent choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Can Savory Danube be Frozen?
The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze the Savory Danube! It is advisable to do so before baking, in order to maintain the freshness of the dough. To freeze it, simply form the filled dough balls and place them on a tray, ensuring they do not touch each other. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag for more convenient storage. When you want to enjoy it, just take it out of the freezer, let it thaw, and then bake it in the oven. This method allows you to always have a delicious Danube ready to be enjoyed at any time.