Swiss Zopf 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
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 50g (1/4 cup) sugar 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed
• 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp honey
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Add the melted butter, warm milk, and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope.
6. 6.
   Place the ropes side by side and pinch them together at one end. Braid the ropes, tucking the ends under to seal.
7. 7.
   Transfer the braided dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Brush the braided dough with the beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and activate it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.
• Butter — Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough for easier incorporation.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey to enhance the flavor of the bread.
• Egg wash — Beat the egg well and brush it gently on the dough for a shiny golden crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
• To achieve a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel while it cools.
• Experiment with different shapes, such as a round loaf or individual rolls, to add variety to your Zopf bread.
• Serve the bread warm with butter, jam, or cheese for a delightful Swiss breakfast experience.
• Leftover Zopf bread can be sliced and used for delicious French toast.

Serving advice

Serve Swiss Zopf bread warm or at room temperature. It is perfect on its own, but you can also enjoy it with butter, honey, or your favorite spread. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a truly satisfying experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Swiss Zopf bread, place it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative bread basket. You can also sprinkle some flour on top of the bread before baking to create an attractive rustic look.