St. Galler Brot - Swiss Cheese Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 200g (7 oz) Swiss cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) Swiss cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. 3.
   Gradually incorporate the flour into the yeast mixture until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and knead in the grated Swiss cheese, chives, thyme, and paprika until well combined.
7. 7.
   Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
10. 10.
    Brush the loaf with beaten egg wash for a shiny crust.
11. 11.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Swiss cheese — Opt for a high-quality Swiss cheese with a good melting capability for the best flavor and texture in the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced cheese flavor, use a combination of different Swiss cheeses such as Emmental and Gruyère.
• Serve the St. Galler Brot warm with a dollop of butter for an extra indulgent experience.
• Experiment with adding other herbs and spices like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor of the bread.
• If you prefer a darker crust, brush the loaf with milk instead of the egg wash before baking.
• This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of soups, making it an excellent choice for a comforting meal.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Galler Brot as a centerpiece on a breadboard or slice it up and serve it alongside a cheese platter for a delightful appetizer.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra grated Swiss cheese and fresh chives on top of the loaf before baking. This will create an inviting golden crust with a touch of green.