Zopf Great Tasting Swiss Bread
Experience the irresistible charm of Zopf, a traditional Swiss bread known for its golden-brown crust, fluffy texture, and signature braid. This recipe combines simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and eggs to create a rich, slightly sweet loaf that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dinner side. The braided design isn’t just for aesthetics—it ensures an even, tender crumb that will delight every bite. Crafted with easy-to-follow techniques, including kneading and braiding, this homemade bread offers a rewarding baking experience that makes store-bought loaves pale in comparison. Serve your Zopf warm, slathered with butter, homemade jam, or alongside savory dishes for a true taste of Switzerland. Perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread while offering a timeless culinary tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 250 milliliters Milk
- 60 grams Unsalted butter
- 1 unit Large egg
- 1 unit Egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is just melted. Let the mixture cool slightly until lukewarm.
Lightly beat the egg and add it to the lukewarm milk and butter mixture. Stir to combine.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
Roll each portion into a long rope, about 40–45 cm in length. Pinch the ends of the ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath for a neat finish.
Transfer the braided dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to make the egg wash. Brush it evenly over the bread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your traditional Swiss Zopf bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
341 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.9 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 390 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.5 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 52 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 118 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
