Ahhh, dough balls – those heavenly snacks that simply defy comparison. The delightful combination of a crispy outside and a fluffy centre, especially when dipped in luxurious, melted butter, is truly unrivalled. Just talking about them is enough to make our mouths water, and we’re sure yours are craving the same experience. That’s why we’ve curated five delicious dough ball recipes, transporting you back to that blissful moment when you first tasted these treats. Close your eyes and take a bite, and you’ll feel like you’re seated in one of our authentic Italian restaurants in Milton Keynes.

Authentic Italian Dough Balls Recipes

These are not just any dough balls; they are genuine, time-honoured Italian recipes that will truly captivate your taste buds. And the best part? Making them is surprisingly simple! Whether your preference leans toward sweet or savoury, we have carefully crafted a special selection that covers all tastes. In this article, we’ll divulge the secrets behind crafting five of our signature Italian dough balls. So, don your apron, prepare your kitchen, and brace yourself – this culinary journey is about to change your life!

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    How To Make Dough Balls

    Nothing beats the simplicity and pure deliciousness of dough balls – these little bites of heaven are the perfect appetiser to kick off any meal. No matter what type of dough balls you want to make, it’s important to master the basics first, and the key to achieving that perfect crispy outside and fluffy centre lies in the dough’s preparation and baking technique.

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    Make sure to use high-quality all-purpose flour, as it will help to give your dough balls the right texture. The active dry yeast is what gives the dough its rise, and combining it with lukewarm water and sugar activates it to create those airy pockets inside that we all know and love. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavour! Once the dough has risen, you can get creative with the dough ball’s size. If you prefer bite-sized snacks, make smaller balls, or go for larger ones if you want a heartier option.

    Now, for the baking process, preheat your oven to 200°C and pop your dough balls onto a baking tray and into the oven – they will be ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown, usually in about 15-20 minutes. Remember, this baking temperature and time will remain the same for all the dough ball recipes we’ll be sharing. So whether you’re making cheesy, garlic, Nutella-filled, or tear-and-share dough balls, you can rely on this baking guideline to achieve perfectly delicious results every time!

    Ingredients:

    • 500g all-purpose flour
    • 7g active dry yeast
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 300ml lukewarm water
    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    Instructions:

    • In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
    • Divide the dough into small balls, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Serve the classic dough balls warm and enjoy their simple, delicious flavour.

    How To Make Cheesy Dough Balls

    If you’re a cheese lover, then cheesy dough balls will undoubtedly be your favourite of the bunch. The combination of gooey mozzarella cheese inside the soft dough is irresistible, and what’s even better – making these cheesy delights is as easy as crafting the classic dough balls, but with an extra cheesy twist.

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    To ensure a gooey centre, use whole-milk mozzarella cheese that melts easily, and when forming the dough balls, make sure the cheese is entirely encased by the dough to avoid any leaks during baking.

    For an added burst of flavour, brush the dough balls with melted butter and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top; the buttery, savoury notes perfectly complement the richness of the melted mozzarella. You can also garnish them with fresh basil leaves for a touch of herbal freshness!

    Ingredients:

    • Prepared classic dough (from the first recipe)
    • 100g mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
    • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tbsp melted butter
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

    Instructions:

    • Take a small portion of the classic dough and flatten it in your hand.
    • Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the centre and wrap the dough around it, forming a ball.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining dough and cheese.
    • Place the dough balls on a baking sheet.
    • Mix the melted butter and garlic powder, then brush it over the dough balls.
    • Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
    • Bake the cheesy dough balls in the preheated oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.

    Cheesy Dough Balls

    How To Make Garlic Dough Balls

    We know this is the one you’ve all been waiting for – garlic dough balls, the epitome of comfort food, and a smash hit at our Italian restaurant in Milton Keynes! A glorified version of the traditional garlic baguette, the enticing aroma of garlic combined with the warm, soft dough is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This recipe is a surefire hit at any gathering, but be quick – they’ll disappear quickly from the serving platter!

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    To infuse the dough with garlic flavour, you can either add minced garlic directly to the dough or mix it with melted butter to create a flavorful glaze. The latter option adds an extra layer of richness and ensures the garlic coats the dough evenly.

    The minced garlic can be adjusted to suit your preference for intensity, so if you want a milder flavour, it’s as simple as reducing the amount of garlic used. For those who can’t get enough of garlic’s pungent taste, feel free to add extra cloves.

    Ingredients:

    • Prepared classic dough (from the first recipe)
    • 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
    • 2 tbsp butter (melted)
    • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Instructions:

    • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
    • Take a small bowl and mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
    • Roll the classic dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
    • Brush the garlic butter mixture over the dough balls, ensuring they are evenly coated.
    • Bake the garlic dough balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they become golden brown and aromatic.
    • Serve the garlic dough balls warm, and revel in the delectable garlic-infused flavour.

    How To Make Nutella Dough Balls

    This delectable dessert combines the delightful classic dough with the irresistible sweetness of Nutella, resulting in a creation that will definitely leave everyone craving for more. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying a moment of self-indulgence, these Nutella dough balls will undoubtedly be a delightful hit for any occasion.

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    When adding the Nutella filling, be generous but not excessive, as you don’t want the dough balls to burst while baking. Rolling the Nutella into a ball shape and encasing it with dough ensures a consistent and delicious filling in every bite.

    To take these Nutella dough balls to the next level, serve them with a side of warm Nutella for dipping or a bowl of strawberries. This additional touch will make your dessert even more enjoyable and indulgent; it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

    Ingredients:

    • Prepared classic dough (from the first recipe)
    • Nutella (or any hazelnut chocolate spread)

    Instructions:

    • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
    • Take a small portion of the classic dough and flatten it in your hand.
    • Add a spoonful of Nutella in the centre of the dough.
    • Wrap the dough around the Nutella, forming a ball to encase the filling entirely.
    • Repeat the process with the remaining dough and Nutella.
    • Place the Nutella-filled dough balls on a baking sheet.
    • Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
    • Serve the Nutella dough balls warm, and enjoy the heavenly combination of sweet dough and luscious chocolate filling.

    Nutella Dough Balls

    How To Make Tear-And-Share Dough Balls

    Gather your friends and family for a delightful treat with tear-and-share dough balls. This exciting recipe is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or any occasion that calls for togetherness. It’s a joyful moment as everyone tears into the soft, flavorful dough, and this interactive and delicious experience is bound to create lasting (and delicious) memories. So, get ready to tear and share the joy with your loved ones!

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    When arranging the dough balls in the baking dish, ensure they are placed closely together. As they rise and bake, they’ll form a beautiful cluster of goodness. Don’t forget to generously brush the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture to infuse them with flavour.

    To make it even more interactive, serve the tear-and-share dough balls with a selection of dipping sauces. Options like marinara sauce, cheese sauce, olive oil or even a tangy pesto can elevate the experience and provide guests with a variety of tastes to explore.

    Ingredients:

    • Prepared classic dough (from the first recipe)
    • 3 tbsp butter (melted)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1/4 tsp salt

    Instructions:

    • Preheat the oven to 200°C.
    • Roll the classic dough into small balls and place them in a greased baking dish.
    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.
    • Pour the butter mixture over the dough balls in the baking dish, ensuring they are coated evenly.

    • Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the dough balls rise for 30 minutes.
    • Bake the tear-and-share dough balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden brown and pull apart easily.
    • Serve these delightful, aromatic dough balls warm, and share the joy with friends and family.

    Tear And Share

    So, There You Have It!

    What are you waiting for? Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the kitchen to create these authentic Italian dough balls right in the comfort of your own home – or if you’re not the greatest chef, our takeaway in Milton Keynes has you covered! So, savour every moment, share the joy with your loved ones, and experience the true essence of Italian flavours. Buon appetito!

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