Ham and Swiss Braid

Total Time Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This is a family favorite I've made many times through the years. I'm in the process of making a cookbook for my children and relatives, and this recipe will definitely be in it.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) quick-rise yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat water, mustard and butter to 120°-130°. Add to flour mixture. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be stiff). Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Roll dough into a 14x12-in. rectangle on a greased baking sheet. Arrange half of the ham over dough. Top with cheese, pickles and remaining ham.
  3. On each long side, cut 3/4-in.-wide strips about 2-1/2 in. into center. starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
  4. Brush with egg. Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
This is a family favorite I've made many times through the years. I'm in the process of making a cookbook for my children and relatives, and this recipe will definitely be in it.
Recipe Creator

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