Braided Cheddar-Ale Bread
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This lovely loaf goes beautifully with pasta, or even just a charcuterie board.
The recipe comes from Prairie Home Cooking, circa 1999 (I know–that doesn’t SEEM vintage, but it was 25 years ago kids…)
It’s not difficult to make, but it looks impressive when it’s finished. Give it a try!
PrintBraided Cheddar-Ale Bread
This lovely braided loaf isn’t as difficult to make as you might think, and is so, so yummy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus 2-3/4 hours rising time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: baking
Ingredients
1/2 cup medium-bodied beer
3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 package rapid-rise yeast
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
In a small saucepan, bring the beer to a boil.
Remove from heat, and set aside to cool to lukewarm.
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Using a stand mixer with a paddle blade, combine the beer, oil, egg, brown sugar, salt, and flour. Pour in the yeast mixture and beat until smooth.
Mix in additional flour to make a soft dough (I added another 3/4 cup).
Add 2 cups of cheese, and mix well.
Switch to the dough hook, and knead 4-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Oil a large bowl, then place the dough inside and turn to coat it with the oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough, and divide it into 3 equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a 12 inch rope.
Braid the three dough ropes together on the baking sheet, and tuck the ends under the loaf.
Brush the top of the loaf with the egg yolk mixture, and sprinkle on the remaining cheese and the everything bagel seasoning.
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1/4 hours.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it.
