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Cheddar Braids

Cheddar Braids recipe image
These Cheddar Braids are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, buttery dough studded with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of celery seed. The braided shape allows the cheese to melt and spread throughout the loaf, creating pockets of savory flavor in every bite. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or alongside a bowl of hot soup, this homemade bread is incredibly satisfying. The crust turns a beautiful golden brown while the inside remains tender and fluffy. Its a show-stopping centerpiece that smells amazing while baking and disappears from the table just as quickly. Simple ingredients come together to make a luxurious treat that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8
Calories: 1802.9
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Braids are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, buttery dough studded with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of celery seed. The braided shape allows the cheese to melt and spread throughout the loaf, creating pockets of savory flavor in every bite. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or alongside a bowl of hot soup, this homemade bread is incredibly satisfying. The crust turns a beautiful golden brown while the inside remains tender and fluffy. Its a show-stopping centerpiece that smells amazing while baking and disappears from the table just as quickly. Simple ingredients come together to make a luxurious treat that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Water; warm, 110-115 deg. f.
  • 1 package Active dry yeast; or
  • 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast; bulk
  • 3 1/2 cup Unbleached flour; *
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 cup Butter; room temperature
  • 4 ea Eggs; lg, room temperature
  • 6 ounce Cheddar; extra sharp, diced
  • 1 ea Egg; lg
  • 1 teaspoon Milk
  • 2 teaspoon Celery seeds
Directions
  1. 1
    Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the surface.
  2. 2
    Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, then let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and puffed.
  3. 3
    Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture.
  4. 4
    Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute to combine the ingredients.
  5. 5
    Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes longer to develop the gluten.
  6. 6
    Add the softened butter to the bowl and beat for another 1 minute until incorporated.
  7. 7
    Reduce the mixer speed to low and add one egg along with 1/2 cup of flour.
  8. 8
    Beat until well blended, then repeat this process, adding one egg and 1/2 cup of flour at a time, until all eggs are used and the dough is soft but sticky.
  9. 9
    Continue beating on medium-high speed for 5 to 7 minutes, or by hand for 10 minutes, until the dough is glossy, elastic, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
  10. 10
    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the diced cheddar cheese and celery seeds until evenly distributed.
  11. 11
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  12. 12
    Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  13. 13
    Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a long rope, approximately 12 to 14 inches long.
  14. 14
    Braid the ropes together tightly and place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  15. 15
    Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  16. 16
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  17. 17
    Whisk the remaining egg with the milk to create an egg wash.
  18. 18
    Brush the egg wash generously over the top of the braided loaf.
  19. 19
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  20. 20
    Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1802.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 53.1g82%
Saturated Fat 27.6g138%
Cholesterol 563.0mg188%
Sodium 7944.6mg332%
Total Carbohydrate 199.0g67%
Dietary Fiber 7.3g30%
Sugars 5.8g
Protein 40.5g81%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cheddar, braids, bread, yeast, cheese, homemade, braided, flour, butter, eggs, celery seed, brunch, savory, dough, baking, comfort food, sharp cheddar, golden brown, pillowy, artisan
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/cheddar-braids/