Pan-Fried Stuffed Bread: You can make it Soft & Stringy

This pan-fried stuffed bread offers a soft, tender dough filled with ham and melted cheese. Prepared in a skillet rather than an oven, it is a practical and accessible recipe that yields a satisfying brown exterior with a warm, cheesy interior.

This pan-fried stuffed bread is suitable for a variety of occasions, from a light lunch to an informal dinner or a shared appetizer served straight from the pan. It pairs well with fresh salads, soups, or simple dips, and can be adapted to different tastes with alternative fillings. Its straightforward preparation makes it suitable for cooks of all skill levels while delivering consistent, delicious results.

What Is Pan-Fried Stuffed Bread?

Pan-fried stuffed bread is a soft, unleavened bread filled with savory ingredients. Similar types of this bread exist across many cuisines, from flatbread wraps to stuffed dough pockets, all built around the idea of quick cooking. This particular version uses milk and butter for extra softness and richness, creating a dough that stays fluffy even without yeast.

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Bread

• Letting the dough rest in the fridge helps relax the gluten, making it much easier to roll thin without springing back.
• Use low to medium heat when cooking to ensure the bread cooks through evenly without burning the outside.
• Don’t overfill the dough, as too much cheese can leak out and make flipping tricky.
• Cover the pan briefly while cooking if you want extra melty cheese inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different filling instead of ham and cheese?

Yes, this dough is very versatile and works well with many fillings. You can use cooked vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or even leftover chicken. Just make sure the filling isn’t too wet, as excess moisture can prevent the bread from sealing properly.

Why is my stuffed bread not soft enough?

The most common reason is overcooking or using heat that’s too high. Cooking slowly on medium heat allows the dough to stay tender while cooking through. Also, measuring the milk accurately is important, as the dough needs enough moisture to remain soft.

What type of cheese works best for a stringy result?

Cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or mild cheddar, are ideal. Avoid very hard or crumbly cheeses, as they won’t give that stretchy texture. You can also mix two cheeses for extra flavour.

How to Store Stuffed Bread

Leftovers can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days without losing too much softness, and they also freeze very well once cooked. Just reheat gently in a pan or microwave to restore their soft, melty texture.

How to Make Pan-Fried Stuffed Bread

Step 1

Step 1

Mix flour, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.

Mix flour, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.

Step 2

Step 2

Continue mixing until the dough starts coming together, then knead with your hands until smooth and soft. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Continue mixing until the dough starts coming together, then knead with your hands until smooth and soft. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Transfer the rested dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Transfer the rested dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Step 4

Step 4

Roll out the dough into a thin circle, then place cheese and ham in the centre.

Roll out the dough into a thin circle, then place cheese and ham in the centre.

Step 5

Step 5

Fold the edges over the filling to seal it, then gently roll it out again into a flat disc, being careful not to break the dough.

Fold the edges over the filling to seal it, then gently roll it out again into a flat disc, being careful not to break the dough.

Step 6

Step 6

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and place the stuffed bread into the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and place the stuffed bread into the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side.

Step 7

Step 7

Transfer the cooked bread to a serving dish and enjoy.

Transfer the cooked bread to a serving dish and enjoy.