Cheesy Ham and Swiss Braided Bread

Ham and Swiss Loaf Recipe

Recipe Overview:

• Name: Ham and Swiss Loaf
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
• Keywords: Breads, Lunch/Snacks, Potluck, Oven, < 4 Hours
• Yield: 1 large loaf

Nutritional Information (per serving):

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• Calories: 3611.1
• Fat: 136.8g
• Saturated Fat: 62.5g
• Cholesterol: 752.6mg
• Sodium: 3376.6mg
• Carbohydrates: 385.7g
• Fiber: 20.2g
• Sugar: 37g
• Protein: 199.2g

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packets (2 1/4 teaspoons each) fast-rising yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 ounces cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos
• 2 tablespoons diced dill pickle
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, and salt.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • Stir in warm water, prepared mustard, and butter into the dry ingredients.

3. Form Dough:

   • Gradually add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.

4. Knead the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes.

5. Rest the Dough:

   • Cover the dough and let it rest on the floured surface for 10 minutes.

6. Roll Out the Dough:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15 x 10 inch rectangle.

7. Prepare Filling:

   • Transfer the rolled dough to a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, diced pimentos, and diced dill pickles lengthwise over the center third of the dough.

8. Create Slashes:

   • Using a sharp knife, make cuts from the filling to the dough edges at 1-inch intervals along the sides of the filling.

9. Fold the Dough:

   • Alternating sides, fold the strips at an angle across the filling to create a braided or woven appearance.

10. Let Rise:

    • Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it’s almost double in size, about 20 to 40 minutes.

11. Preheat Oven:

    • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

12. Brush with Egg Wash:

    • Once risen, brush the loaf with the beaten egg to give it a shiny finish when baked.

13. Bake:

    • Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

14. Cool and Serve:

    • Remove the loaf from the baking sheet and transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm for best flavor.

15. Storage:

    • Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

This Ham and Swiss Loaf recipe combines savory ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy condiments like mustard and pickles into a delicious braided bread loaf. Perfect for lunches, snacks, or potlucks, this recipe is sure to impress with its homemade charm and comforting flavors.