There’s something truly mesmerizing about the way a beautifully braided loaf of pizza bread looks when it comes out of the oven. At first glance, you might not know what to expect, but once you cut into it, you’ll reveal a delicious combination of crispy, golden dough with savory fillings that take the idea of pizza to a whole new level.
Braided Pizza Bread combines the comforting flavors of pizza with a visually striking presentation, making it a perfect dish for both casual meals and special gatherings.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step, ensuring that you can recreate this unique bread at home with ease. The best part? You can customize the fillings to suit your preferences, so it’s a versatile option for everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a side dish, or even as a main course, this Braided Pizza Bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients: A Simple Yet Delicious Combination
To make Braided Pizza Bread, we’ll need a few simple ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry, and the few extra items are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough. It’s essential for achieving that perfect pizza bread texture.
- 1.5 tsp of dry yeast: This is what makes the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- 1 tsp of sugar: The sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 tsp of salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the bread.
- 10 fl oz of warm water: Water is the main liquid in the dough, and it needs to be warm (not hot) to help the yeast activate.
- 3 tbsp of olive oil: Olive oil adds flavor and moisture to the dough, making it soft and pliable.
- 5 fl oz of tomato sauce: The classic pizza sauce that ties all the flavors together. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- 7 oz of mozzarella cheese, grated: Mozzarella is the cheese of choice for pizza, known for its meltiness and mild flavor.
- 4.25 oz of salami, diced: Salami adds a savory, slightly spicy kick to the filling. You can substitute it with pepperoni or any other deli meat you prefer.
- 1 egg yolk: The egg yolk will give the braided bread a beautiful golden finish after baking.
- 2 tbsp of white sesame seeds: These add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor on top of the bread.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this Braided Pizza Bread. It’s a fun project that requires a little bit of patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, dry yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and stir until everything is well combined. The dough should be soft and a little sticky at first, but it will become more manageable as you knead it.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Once it’s ready, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size during this time.
2. Divide the Dough into Strands
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into six equal-sized balls. Roll each ball out into a long strand, roughly 12 inches long. You want them to be thin but not too fragile, as they need to hold up when we braid them.
3. Add the Filling
Now comes the fun part: adding the pizza toppings. Take each of the dough strands and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce along its length, leaving about half an inch around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as this could make the dough harder to braid.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add the diced salami on top. You can adjust the amounts of cheese and salami based on your preferences, or even experiment with other fillings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
4. Roll and Form the Strands
Once the fillings are in place, it’s time to roll the dough strands. Start by folding the free edge of each strand over the filling, then tuck it under and press it to seal. This step helps keep the fillings inside while baking. Repeat with all six strands.
5. Braid the Dough
Now we’re ready to braid! Take three of the rolled dough strands and pinch the ends together to form one side of the braid. Start weaving the strands over and under each other, just like you would with hair. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – the beauty of braided bread is in its rustic look.
Pinch the ends of the braid together to seal it. Repeat the same process with the other three dough strands, creating a second braid. You should now have two beautiful braided sections.
6. Brush with Egg Yolk and Add Sesame Seeds
Once your braids are formed, it’s time to make them golden and glossy. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk and brush it generously over the surface of both braids. This will give the bread a shiny, appetizing appearance once it’s baked.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top. These little seeds not only add texture but also enhance the flavor with a mild nuttiness.
7. Bake the Braided Pizza Bread
Place the braided bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop it into a preheated oven set to 340°F (170°C). Bake for about 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait!
8. Let It Cool and Serve
Once your Braided Pizza Bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice. Cut into it, and you’ll be greeted with melty cheese, savory salami, and a perfectly crispy crust. It’s truly the best of both worlds: pizza and bread, all in one.
Tips and Variations
- Dough Alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut. It won’t have the same homemade touch, but it’ll still be delicious.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, or swap the salami for pepperoni, ham, or even grilled chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pizza dough mix. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be tasty.
Conclusion
Our Braided Pizza Bread is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a fun, visually impressive form. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your tastes, whether you prefer a traditional pizza filling or something a bit more creative. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a family meal, this braided bread will be a hit wherever you serve it. Happy baking!
Braided Pizza Bread: A Flavorful, Fun, and Unique Twist on Classic Pizza
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
10 fl oz warm water
3 tbsp olive oil
5 fl oz tomato sauce
7 oz grated mozzarella
4.25 oz diced salami
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp white sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil. Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Form Strands: Divide dough into 6 balls. Roll each into a long strand.
- Add Filling: Spread tomato sauce, mozzarella, and salami on dough strands, leaving edges clear.
- Roll and Braid: Roll dough strands, seal edges, and braid two sections of three strands each.
- Brush and Top: Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake at 340°F (170°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.