Teresa's Recipes
Zopf (Swiss Braided Bread)
Zopf is a beloved Swiss bread, known for its beautiful braided shape and rich, buttery flavor. Traditionally enjoyed on Sundays and special occasions, this soft and fluffy bread is perfect for breakfast with a pat of butter or as a base for your favorite sandwich. The process of creating Zopf involves a delightful combination of kneading and braiding, making it not just a recipe, but a lovely baking experience that brings the aroma of fresh bread into your home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) Active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup, lukewarm Milk
- 1/4 cup, melted Unsalted butter
- 1, beaten (for egg wash) Egg
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Add the lukewarm milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into three equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-14 inches in length.
- Braid the three ropes together, tucking the ends under to seal the braid.
- Transfer the braided dough to a greased baking sheet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the braided dough with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.