Brunch Braid
A savory brunch braid filled with ham, vegetables, and cheese, featuring a braided crust and vibrant flavors—perfect for weekend gatherings or special brunches.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 7 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried basil ⓘ
- 1 cup diced ham ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 10 oz refrigerated pizza crust ⓘ
- poppy seeds ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add green onions and red pepper. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender.
- Beat 6 eggs with milk, salt, and basil. Stir in ham. Pour egg mixture over vegetables. Scramble until eggs are thickened but still moist. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss together broccoli, Swiss cheese, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Unroll refrigerated pizza crust onto a greased baking sheet. Pat dough to form a 14 x 9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the egg mixture in a 3-inch wide strip lengthwise down the center of the dough.
- Top with the broccoli mixture.
- Make cuts in the dough at 1-inch intervals on both sides of the rectangle, just to the edge of the filling.
- Fold the dough strips diagonally over the filling, overlapping strips and alternating from side to side to give a braided appearance.
- In a small bowl, beat together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the top of the dough with this egg mixture.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture or incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or chives. If you don’t have Swiss cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar or mozzarella. You can also use leftover vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. For a quicker option, pre-cooked ham can save time in preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This Brunch Braid is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some fruit for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of the Fancy Egg Scramble for a delightful egg-themed brunch. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or serve with a tangy salsa for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brunch Braid contains roughly 769 calories, with 11g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg per serving (27% 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
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the braid the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm dish. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the Brunch Braid?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked braid. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed for best results.
What can I substitute for the pizza crust?
If you want a different base, consider using puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you could use whole wheat flatbread or a cauliflower crust to keep it lighter while maintaining delicious flavors.
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).