Zopf or Braided Bread

Golden, soft, and irresistibly aromatic, Zopf or Braided Bread is a traditional Swiss delight that transforms any breakfast or brunch table into a feast. This mildly sweet, yeast-leavened bread showcases its signature braided design, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Crafted from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and eggs, this recipe guides you through the art of hand-braiding dough, elevating the experience of baking at home. With its glossy, golden crust—thanks to a rich egg wash—and its tender, pillowy interior, this bread is perfect served warm with butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Zopf recipe is an approachable yet impressive way to explore Swiss culinary traditions.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour
• 250 ml Milk
• 60 g Butter (unsalted)
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 large Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

Warm the milk gently in a small saucepan or microwave until it is lukewarm (around 37°C or 98°F). Be cautious not to overheat it.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, one of the eggs, and the softened butter. Mix until a dough starts to form.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and roll each into long ropes (about 50 cm or 20 inches in length).

Step 7

Place the three ropes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pinch the top ends together, and gently braid the ropes. Tuck the ends underneath to secure.

Step 8

Cover the braided dough loosely with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise again in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create the egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the surface of the braided dough for a glossy finish.

Step 11

Bake the Zopf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Zopf with your favorite spreads or toppings!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	991.1 grams (991.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2706

Total Fat 73.50g	94%
Saturated Fat 39.50g	198%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 710mg	237%
Sodium 3811mg	166%
Total Carbohydrate 423.20g	154%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 39.30g
Protein 78.70g	157%

Vitamin D 243IU	1215%
Calcium 483mg	37%
Iron 26mg	143%
Potassium 1251mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.8%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 63.4%