Here’s a recipe for Spicy Italian Babka filled with pepperoni, jalapeños, and a savory pizza-inspired filling. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sweet babka.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
For the Topping:
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prep the filling ingredients. Grate the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, slice the pepperoni, and thinly slice the jalapeños.
- In a small bowl, mix the pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Assemble the Babka:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface.
- Spread the pizza sauce mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1-inch borders around the edges.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni slices and jalapeños.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the long edges. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Slice the rolled dough in half lengthwise, creating two long strips. Twist the strips together, forming a braid. Carefully place the twisted dough into the prepared loaf pan.
4. Proof & Bake:
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has puffed up.
- Brush the top of the babka with olive oil or melted butter. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra texture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the babka is golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
5. Serve:
- Let the Spicy Italian Babka cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best cheesy, spicy flavor.
Tips:
- You can substitute the pepperoni with other Italian meats like salami or sausage for a different flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or use fewer jalapeños.
- You can also experiment with different cheeses—try adding provolone or cheddar for a twist.
Enjoy your Spicy Italian Babka! It’s a savory treat perfect for a pizza lover!
