Easy Breakfast Recipe - Swiss Braided Bread - a Sunday Tradition
From Dough to Delight: The Art of Making Swiss Braided Bread for Breakfast
1 bread
Yield:
Preparation & Cooking Time:
2h 30min
Author:
Stefan
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FOOD FACT
Yeast is responsible for expanding dough and giving it a light, airy structure due to the carbon dioxide gas it produces when trapped within the dough's protein matrix. Bakers yeast contributes significantly to bread's nutritional value, containing nutrients such as phytosterols, which have been known to lower blood cholesterol, enhance the immune system, and decrease the risk of certain cancers. Other nutrients found in yeast include thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, zinc, proteins, and dietary fibers. These nutrients are vital in energy metabolism, body acid-base balance, neuropsychiatric conditions, and maintaining normal intestinal function. However, excessive consumption of baking yeast can lead to various health issues, such as allergic reactions, bloating, gas, indigestion, weight gain, obesity, or diabetes. Hence, consuming baking yeast in moderation and combining it with healthy and natural ingredients is essential.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare all ingredients for the dough.
Combine the butter, salt, and milk. Heat the mixture to body temperature.
Integrate the yeast into the milk, butter, and salt mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.
Sift the flour to ensure a smooth texture.
Combine the sifted flour with the yeast, milk, butter, and salt mixture to form the dough. Thoroughly knead the mixture.
Cover the dough with a damp towel and allow it to rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Once risen, cut the dough in half. Shape each portion into a strand and place them in a cross formation, initiating the braiding process.
Transfer the braided bread to a tray, covering it with a damp towel for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
Brush the surface of the bread with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the bread achieves a delightful golden brown color.
Notes
Ensure the milk, butter, and salt mixture remains at or below body temperature. Excessively high temperatures can harm the yeast, affecting the dough's rise.
If the dough feels too sticky, continue kneading for an extra 5 minutes. Sometimes, a bit more time is all it needs. If stickiness persists, add more flour until the dough becomes smooth.
While sugar isn't mandatory, it aids yeast growth. Feel free to omit it; personal preference plays a role.
Elevate your bread's flavor profile by incorporating pan-fried bacon and ham. Allow them to cool before integrating them into the dough.
Enhance the butter's taste by melting it with garlic and your preferred herbs 1-2 hours before making the dough. This step extracts rich flavors from the garlic and herbs into the butter.
Opt for soy milk as a substitute for regular milk if you prefer a non-dairy alternative.
Explore diverse flavors by adding dried tomatoes, your favorite pesto, or any other creative twists you fancy. The bread's versatility allows for delightful experimentation.
Every twist has a story. Share yours!
What's your favorite variation of this recipe?
