Experience the irresistible charm of Swiss baking with this Zopf Swiss Egg Bread, effortlessly crafted in your bread machine. Known for its signature braid and delicate, golden crust, this traditional Swiss loaf is enriched with milk, eggs, and butter, giving it a soft, pillowy texture and subtle sweetness that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. The bread machine simplifies the process by handling the dough kneading and rising, while the hands-on braiding step adds a touch of homemade artistry. A glossy egg wash gives the bread its iconic sheen, making it as beautiful to behold as it is delicious. Serve slices with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or alongside a hearty soup, and delight in the taste of this European classic made effortlessly at home.
Add the milk, large egg, and unsalted butter to the bread machine pan.
Add the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt, ensuring the salt is placed in a corner to avoid direct contact with the yeast.
Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the active dry yeast.
Set the bread machine to the dough cycle and start it. This process typically takes 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on your machine.
Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll them into long ropes of equal length (about 16 inches).
Braid the three ropes into a loaf and tuck the ends underneath to secure the shape.
Transfer the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30-40 minutes, or until it's almost doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create an egg wash.
Gently brush the egg wash over the surface of the loaf, ensuring even coverage for a shiny, golden crust.
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Calories |
2390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.0 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.4 g | 177% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 550 mg | 183% | |
| Sodium | 2592 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 373.8 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.2 g | ||
| Protein | 63.9 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 424 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 21.2 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 1076 mg | 23% | |
*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.