French Cheese Braid
Crispy, buttery bread with gooey Swiss cheese swirls—perfect for brunch, parties, or a savory snack that balances rich dairy and soft dough.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, margarine, and 2 cups of flour.
- Beat until smooth, then add remaining flour until dough is easy to handle.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, knead in the diced cheese, and divide into three equal parts.
- Roll each part into a 15‑inch rope.
- Place the ropes together on a greased cookie sheet, braid them loosely, and do not stretch.
- Pinch the ends together and tuck under.
- Brush the braid with oil.
- Let rise again for 40 to 50 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm as a cheese‑filled bread loaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more intense taste. Make sure your water is warm but not hot; too high a temperature can kill the yeast. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the right consistency. This recipe can also be adapted into a sweet version by adding cinnamon and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese braid is delightful served warm, perfect as a standalone snack or alongside a fresh salad. Pair it with a bowl of hearty soup for a comforting meal, or enjoy it as a part of a brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with Ice Cream In A Coffee Can for dessert or can be served with dips like marinara or a creamy garlic sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French Cheese Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread tough and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Cheese Braid contains roughly 1009 calories, with 31g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2667mg per serving (116% 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 use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just follow your machine's instructions for adding ingredients and select the dough cycle. Once the dough has risen, proceed with the braiding and baking steps as outlined in the recipe.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours in a warm environment. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s properly risen. If it springs back, it needs more time to rise.
Can I freeze the cheese braid after baking?
Absolutely! Once the braid has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
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).