19 Swiss Braided Egg Bread Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Swiss braided egg bread, also known as Zopf, is a traditional Swiss bread that is typically enjoyed during special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. This soft and flavorful bread is made with a rich dough that is braided and then baked to golden perfection. The combination of eggs, milk, and butter gives this bread a unique and irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients, steps, and tips for making a delicious Swiss braided egg bread at home.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Salt
Braided Egg Bread is a classic recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This bread is soft and fluffy, with a beautiful braided design that is sure to impress your guests. It's also surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.
2of 20
Challah (Braided Egg Bread)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Shortening, Salt, Milk, Eggs, Egg Whites, Active
Challah, also known as Braided Egg Bread, is a traditional Jewish bread that is often served on the Sabbath and special holidays. It's made with a rich dough that is sweetened with honey and topped with sesame or poppy seeds. Challah is not only delicious, but it also has a deep religious significance for Jewish families.
3of 20
Czech/Bohemian Braided Egg Bread (Houska)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Sugar, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Water
Houska, or Bohemian Braided Egg Bread, is a popular recipe in Czech and Slovakian cuisine. This bread is similar to Challah but is usually filled with raisins, almonds, and other nuts. It's a sweet and nutty bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack with your afternoon tea.
Swiss Braided Bread, also known as Zopf, is a traditional bread that is often served for breakfast or brunch in Switzerland. It has a golden crust and a soft, buttery interior, making it the perfect bread to enjoy with your morning coffee. It's also commonly served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
5of 20
Butterzopf - Swiss Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar
Butterzopf is a variation of Swiss Braided Bread that is especially popular in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. It's made with butter, milk, and eggs, giving it a rich and decadent flavor. This bread is usually served with butter and jam, but it's also delicious on its own.
6of 20
Braided Challah Bread
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Honey, Water, Salt, Bread Flour
Braided Challah Bread is a staple in Jewish cuisine and is often served on the Sabbath and holidays. It's made with a slightly sweet dough and is typically braided with three or six strands. The braided shape holds a symbolic meaning in Jewish culture and is said to represent unity and togetherness.
7of 20
Braided Sweet Potato Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Sweet Potato, Milk, Butter, Egg
If you're looking to add a twist to your traditional Braided Egg Bread, try making Braided Sweet Potato Bread. This bread is studded with sweet potato chunks and is slightly sweetened with brown sugar. It's the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and it's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
8of 20
Z for Zopf / Züpfe | Swiss Braided bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Salt, Butter
Zopf, also known as Züpfe, is a popular Swiss Braided Bread that is typically served for breakfast or brunch. It's made with a simple dough and is usually shaped into a long braid. Zopf is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, cold cuts, or jam.
9of 20
Braided Easy Egg Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Water, Milk
If you're new to bread-making or just looking for a quick and easy recipe, try making Braided Easy Egg Bread. This recipe uses store-bought dough, making it a breeze to put together. It's perfect for when you're short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade bread.
10of 20
Braided Sabbath Bread (3-Egg Challah Bread)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt, Vegetable Oil
This Braided Sabbath Bread recipe is a variation of Challah that uses three eggs instead of the traditional two. The extra egg adds richness and flavor to the bread, making it even more delicious. This bread is perfect for serving on the Sabbath or any special occasion.
11of 20
Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Whole Milk, Unsalted Butter
Take your Braided Egg Bread to the next level by turning it into a Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread. This recipe combines the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls with the beautiful braid of Challah. It's a sweet and decadent bread that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
12of 20
Strawberry Bread
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Vanilla, Flour
If you're looking for a fruity twist on braided bread, try making Strawberry Bread. This recipe incorporates fresh strawberries into the dough, resulting in a soft and moist bread with a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
13of 20
Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Egg, Melted
Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread, also known as Kalács, is a popular bread in Hungarian cuisine. It's made with a sweet dough that is usually flavored with lemon zest and vanilla. This bread is often served for special occasions and is a staple at Hungarian weddings.
14of 20
Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Sugar, Egg, Butter, Salt, Flour
Braided Sweet Bread is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for beginners. This bread is slightly sweetened with honey and is usually topped with sesame or poppy seeds. It's a versatile bread that can be enjoyed with savory or sweet toppings, making it a great addition to any meal.
15of 20
How to Make Braided Easter Egg Bread
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Large Eggs, All
If you're looking for a fun and festive bread to make for Easter, try making Braided Easter Egg Bread. This recipe uses dyed eggs to create a colorful and unique braid that is perfect for the holiday. It's a great activity to do with kids, and the end result is not only delicious but also beautiful.
16of 20
Braided Nutella Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Milk, Butter, Egg
Braided Nutella Bread is a delicious and decadent treat that is perfect for any chocolate lover. This bread is filled with a layer of Nutella, giving it a rich and gooey center. It's a great dessert to serve for special occasions or to satisfy your sweet tooth.
17of 20
Kalács, the Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Fresh Yeast, Butter, Wheat
Kalács, or Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread, is a popular recipe in Hungarian cuisine. It's made with a sweet dough and is usually filled with raisins, almonds, and other nuts. This bread is often served with coffee or tea and is a staple at Hungarian holiday celebrations.
18of 20
Egg Salad
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Celery, Red Onion, Dill, Chives
If you have leftover Braided Egg Bread, don't let it go to waste! Use it to make a delicious and creamy Egg Salad. Simply chop up the bread into cubes and mix it with your favorite egg salad ingredients, such as hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and chopped vegetables. It's a great way to repurpose bread and make a tasty lunch or snack.
19of 20
Classic Meatloaf
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Quick Oatmeal, Milk, Eggs, Onion, Salt
Braided Egg Bread can also be used as a binding ingredient in meatloaf, adding flavor and moisture to the dish. Simply mix cubed bread with ground beef, eggs, and your choice of herbs and spices, and bake it in a loaf pan. The bread will help keep the meatloaf together and add a delicious touch to this classic comfort food.
20of 20
Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Egg, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil
If you're a fan of Panda Express, you'll love this homemade version of their famous Orange Chicken. Use Braided Egg Bread as a coating for the chicken, giving it a delicious and crispy texture. You can also add some cubed bread to the sauce to thicken it and add a unique flavor to this popular Chinese dish.
Ingredients
Eggs: The star ingredient of this bread, eggs add richness and flavor to the dough. Make sure to use fresh eggs for the best results.
Milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps create a soft and tender texture. Whole milk or even buttermilk can be used for a richer flavor.
Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread. Make sure to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for this bread as it gives a good balance of structure and flavor.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the dough to help with the rising process and to balance the flavors.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is used in this recipe to give the bread its rise. Make sure to check the expiration date of the yeast for the best results.
Salt: Salt not only adds flavor but also helps to strengthen the gluten in the dough, giving the bread structure and texture.
Steps for Making Swiss Braided Egg Bread
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
Step 3: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
Step 7: Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together, tucking the ends under.
Step 8: Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 9: Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 11: Brush the top of the bread with an egg wash made of one beaten egg and a tablespoon of milk.
Step 12: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 13: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Swiss Braided Egg Bread
Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help the dough rise better and create a softer texture.
Knead the dough well: Kneading the dough for a good 10 minutes is crucial in developing the gluten and giving the bread its structure.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: The ideal temperature for the dough to rise is between 75-80°F (24-27°C). You can place the dough in a warm oven or near a warm stove to help with the rising process.
Brush with egg wash: Brushing the top of the bread with an egg wash will give it a beautiful golden shine and help it develop a nice crust.
Let it cool before slicing: It's important to let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will prevent it from becoming too dense and help it hold its shape.
With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to make a delicious Swiss braided egg bread that will impress your family and friends. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!