Braided bread with cheese, bell pepper, and herbs

Braided Bread with Cheese, Bell Pepper, and Greens: A Delicacy for Breakfast

Looking for a recipe that will brighten up your mornings and put a smile on everyone's face? Braided bread with cheese, bell pepper, and greens is the perfect choice! This dish not only successfully replaces sandwiches but also brings a unique flavor, making it ideal for lunchboxes at school or the office. With a versatile filling, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences. So, let’s get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 2 small loaves or 1 large loaf

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 13 g fresh yeast
- 280-300 ml lukewarm water (the amount varies depending on the type of flour)

For the filling:
- 300 g sheep cheese (or cheese, cheddar, feta, according to your preference)
- 1 bell pepper (or sweet pepper, for a different flavor)
- 1/2 bunch dill combined with parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Sifting the Flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it and remove any impurities. This is a crucial step for achieving a fluffy dough.
2. Activating the Yeast: In a saucepan, warm the lukewarm water. Add the sugar and crumbled yeast, stirring gently. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Kneading the Dough: In the center of the flour, create a well and add the yeast mixture. Start kneading the dough. When it becomes smooth, add the salt and continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the oil and knead until the dough is elastic, soft, and non-sticky. Adjust the amount of water or flour based on the humidity of the ingredients.

Step 2: Rising the Dough
4. Letting it Rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour. A personal tip: you can heat the oven to 40 degrees for 5 minutes and then place the bowl inside.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling
5. The Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Chop the bell pepper into small cubes, and chop the dill and parsley. Mix them in a large bowl with the grated cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 4: Shaping the Loaves
6. Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. You can make one large loaf or two smaller ones, depending on your preference.
7. Shaping the Dough: Take one piece of dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape. Make a shallow cut using a knife (without cutting all the way through) and place the filling in the center of the dough.
8. Braiding: Cut the two side edges into thin strips about 2-3 cm wide. Alternately fold the strips of dough over the filling, forming a braid. Repeat the process with the other piece of dough.

Step 5: Baking
9. Preparing for the Oven: Place the braided loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with an egg yolk for a golden crust and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the loaves in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and with a crispy crust. If they brown too much, you can lower the temperature.

Serving
After baking, let the loaves cool slightly before slicing. They can be served warm or cold, making them excellent for breakfast or snacks. You can accompany the bread with a fresh green salad or a cup of yogurt for a complete breakfast.

Helpful Tip
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with other fillings, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushroom cubes. This versatility makes our recipe for braided bread with cheese, bell pepper, and greens a fantastic choice for any time of the day.

Nutritional Information
This braided bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The cheese provides protein and calcium, while the greens offer plenty of vitamins. A serving of about 100 g contains approximately 250 calories, but this depends on the type of cheese used. This is an excellent choice for a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast!

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 13 g of fresh yeast with about 4 g of dry yeast.
2. How can I keep the bread fresh? Braided bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can freeze it to keep it longer.
3. Can the dough be made in a bread machine? Absolutely! You can use the kneading and rising program of the bread machine to save time.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients and transform your mornings into special moments with this braided bread with cheese, bell pepper, and greens! Enjoy!