Swiss Zopf bread, also known as Züpfe or Zopf, is a traditional Swiss bread that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its soft, buttery texture and iconic braided shape, it is a staple in Swiss cuisine and often served for breakfast or as a snack. While it may seem intimidating to make at first, this recipe will guide you through the process and help you create a delicious Zopf bread right in your own kitchen. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Swiss recipe.
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Salt, Butter
This traditional Swiss bread is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The braided loaf is made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and yeast, resulting in a soft and slightly sweet bread that pairs perfectly with a juicy beer can chicken.
Main Ingredients: Egg, Instant Yeast, Milk, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Butter
Similar to the Zopf bread, this Hefezopf is a braided sweet bread made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and yeast. The addition of raisins and almonds in this recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional Swiss bread.
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Zopf (Swiss bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Yeast, Butter, Milk, Egg
This classic Swiss bread is a staple in many households and is often served for breakfast or as a side dish with a hearty meal. The braided loaf is made with a combination of flour, milk, butter, and yeast, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
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Zopf (Swiss bread)
Main Ingredients: Lemon, Cream, All Purpose Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk
Another variation of the traditional Swiss bread, this recipe calls for the addition of a bit of honey, giving the bread a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors of beer can chicken.
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Zopf Swiss Plaited Bread
Main Ingredients: Melted Butter, Beaten Egg, Sugar, Yeast, Blood, Salt
This plaited bread is a twist on the classic Zopf bread, with a slightly different braiding technique that results in a beautiful presentation. The bread itself is made with a combination of flour, butter, milk, and yeast, and is perfect for soaking up the juices from a delicious beer can chicken.
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Cranberry Swiss Zopf Bread
Main Ingredients: Full Fat Sour Cream, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose
This festive twist on the traditional Swiss bread adds dried cranberries to the mix, giving the bread a pop of color and subtle sweetness. It's perfect for serving alongside a holiday beer can chicken.
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Braided Nutella Bread with Hazelnuts (Nutella Zopf)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Milk, Fresh Yeast, Salt, Lemon, Butter, Caster
If you're a fan of the popular hazelnut spread, you'll love this Nutella braided bread. The addition of chopped hazelnuts adds a nice crunch to the soft and fluffy bread, making it a perfect accompaniment to a flavorful beer can chicken.
This basic braided bread recipe is a great starting point for any beer can chicken lover. The simple combination of flour, milk, butter, and yeast results in a soft and versatile bread that can be served with any flavor of beer can chicken.
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Braided Egg Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Salt, Warm Water
This braided bread is made with eggs, giving it a richer and denser texture than traditional Swiss bread. The eggs also add a beautiful golden color to the finished loaf, making it an eye-catching addition to any beer can chicken dinner.
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Butterzopf - Swiss Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar
This buttery and rich bread is a true indulgence and a perfect pairing for a flavorful beer can chicken. The dough is made with a combination of flour, butter, and eggs, giving it a luxurious and delicious flavor.
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Braided Challah Bread
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Honey, Water, Salt, Bread Flour
This Jewish braided bread is a popular choice for serving with beer can chicken. The dough is made with eggs, giving it a slightly sweet taste and a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
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Braided Pesto Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Flour, Olive Oil, Salt, Pesto
This recipe takes traditional braided bread to a whole new level with the addition of homemade pesto. The flavorful pesto is swirled throughout the bread, giving it a vibrant green color and a delicious taste that pairs well with any beer can chicken recipe.
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Zopf – Plaited Swiss Loaf
Main Ingredients: Dried Yeast, Milk, Flour, Salt, Butter, Granulated
This plaited Swiss loaf is a beautiful and impressive addition to any beer can chicken dinner. The dough is made with a combination of flour, milk, butter, and yeast, and is braided and twisted into a unique and eye-catching shape.
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Braided Sweet Potato Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Sweet Potato, Milk, Butter, Egg
This braided bread is made with the addition of mashed sweet potatoes, giving it a slightly sweet taste and a soft and moist texture. It's a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes and makes a perfect pairing for a flavorful beer can chicken.
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Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Whole Milk, Unsalted Butter
This braided bread takes inspiration from the popular cinnamon roll, with a sweet and spicy filling swirled throughout the bread. The result is a soft and flavorful loaf that is perfect for serving alongside a savory beer can chicken.
For a different twist on traditional Swiss bread, try this Swiss Steak recipe. Thinly sliced steak is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then braised with onions and mushrooms, creating a delicious and hearty accompaniment to any beer can chicken dinner.
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Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Egg, Melted
This Hungarian bread is a sweet and indulgent treat that is perfect for serving alongside a savory beer can chicken. The dough is made with a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and is braided into a beautiful and impressive loaf.
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Oil, Warm Water, Bell
This braided bread is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, creating a delicious and filling side dish for a beer can chicken dinner. The bread itself is made with a combination of flour, milk, and eggs, giving it a soft and fluffy texture.
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Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Sugar, Egg, Butter, Salt, Flour
This braided bread is a basic and versatile recipe that can be served with any flavor of beer can chicken. The dough is made with flour, sugar, and yeast, and is braided into a beautiful and delicious loaf.
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Braided Nutella Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Milk, Butter, Egg
This Nutella braided bread is a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread. The dough is made with a combination of flour, sugar, and yeast, and is filled with a rich and indulgent Nutella filling for a truly decadent treat.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon
Pastry brush
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
To start, activate the yeast by combining warm milk, melted butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about 16 inches in length. Pinch the three ropes together at one end and braid them tightly, then pinch the other end to seal the braid.
Step 5: Let it Rise Again
Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the bread. This will give the bread a shiny, golden crust.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake the Zopf bread for 25-30 minutes until it is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your freshly baked Swiss Zopf bread with your favorite jam or spread.
Now that you have mastered this traditional Swiss recipe, you can impress your loved ones with your baking skills. Serve the Zopf bread warm or at room temperature for a delicious and comforting treat. The soft and buttery texture of this bread will have you coming back for more. Enjoy!
