🌟 Cheddar Braids Recipe 🌟
✨ Inspired by Recipezaar, February 2005 ✨
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful creation of Cheddar Braids, a recipe that has stood the test of time since its adoption in February 2005 from Recipezaar. This bread is a perfect blend of rich flavors, with a soft and slightly challenging dough that elevates your baking experience. Dive into the world of artisanal bread-making, where the aroma of cheddar and the warmth of fresh yeast dance together to create a culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Warm water |
| 1 packet | Active dry yeast |
| 3 1/2 tsp | Unbleached flour |
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 3/4 cup | Butter |
| 4 | Eggs |
| 6 cups | Cheddar cheese, grated |
| 1 | Egg (for brushing) |
| 1 cup | Milk (for brushing) |
| 2 tsp | Celery seeds |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 494.7
- Fat: 28.4g
- Saturated Fat: 16.6g
- Cholesterol: 184.6mg
- Sodium: 770.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.9g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 15.8g
Instructions:
-
🌊 Activate the Yeast:
- Pour warm water into a bowl, add yeast.
- Stir until dissolved, let it puff for about 5 minutes.
-
🍞 Initial Mix:
- Add 1 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt.
- Beat on low for 1 minute, then on medium for 2 minutes.
-
🧈 Incorporate Butter:
- Add butter, beat for another 1 minute.
-
🥚 Egg & Flour Addition:
- Gradually beat in eggs and flour until a soft, sticky dough forms.
-
🤲 Glossy Dough:
- Continue beating until the dough is glossy, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl.
-
🧀 Add Cheddar:
- Gently stir in grated cheddar cheese by hand.
-
🌡️ First Rise:
- Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in bulk (2 1/2 to 3 hours).
-
❄️ Chill in Refrigerator:
- Punch down, refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
-
📆 Prepare for Braiding:
- Divide and knead one half on a floured surface.
- Divide into 3 parts, roll each into a 12 to 16-inch rope.
-
🥖 Braid and Rise:
- Braid the ropes, seal ends, place on a greased baking sheet.
- Repeat with the second ball of dough.
- Brush with egg and milk mixture, let rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
-
🌞 Preheat & Final Rise:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush with egg mixture again midway through rising.
- Sprinkle with celery seeds.
-
🎂 Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 40 minutes until a skewer comes out dry.
- Cool on wire racks before slicing.
Cooking Tips:
- Embrace the challenge of a soft dough; it rewards with a lusciously rich bread.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for a personalized twist.
- Share the joy of baking by involving family or friends in the braiding process.
Conclusion:
The Cheddar Braids recipe, a gem adopted from Recipezaar, is not just a culinary creation but a journey through the art of baking. Every step adds layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a bread that’s not only visually appealing but a treat for your taste buds. Experience the joy of crafting this masterpiece and savor the richness it brings to your table. Happy baking! 🍞🧀🌈
