Braided Bread
A beautifully braided bread infused with herbs and filled with Swiss cheese and dried beef, perfect for brunch or as a savory snack for cheese and bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of flour and the yeast in a large bowl.
- Heat water, 2 tablespoons of butter, sugar, and salt in a pan until lukewarm and the butter melts.
- Add this mixture to the flour and yeast, along with the egg.
- Beat at low speed for 30 seconds, scraping sides of the bowl constantly.
- Beat for 3 minutes at high speed.
- By hand, stir in all the remaining flour you can mix in with a spoon.
- Knead enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff, smooth, and elastic dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using garlic butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have dried herbs, you can use fresh ones; just increase the amount to about three times as much. For a twist, add different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the dried beef or substitute it with sautéed mushrooms for a flavorful alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this braided bread warm as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup, like Quick Mushroom Stew. For a more substantial meal, slice it and use it as a base for Mini Hamburgers or as a side with your favorite beef recipes. It's also delightful dipped in marinara sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover braided bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braided Bread contains roughly 718 calories, with 16g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2045mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F to 200°F indicates that it's fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).