Zopf (Traditional Swiss Plaited Breakfast Bread)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 2

Zopf recipe for a traditional Swiss plaited breakfast bread

Zopf (Traditional Swiss Plaited Breakfast Bread)

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

1 hour 5 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

295

Sugar

Fat

Zopf is a traditional Swiss plaited breakfast bread that is a staple in many Swiss households. The bread is typically served on Sundays and special occasions, and is especially popular for Easter brunch. The name “Zopf” means “braid” in German, which refers to the three strands of dough that are braided together to make the bread. Zopf has a slightly sweet taste and a soft, fluffy texture that makes it perfect for toasting and serving with butter or jam. It’s also a great addition to a cheese or meat platter. While Zopf is not the healthiest bread option, it’s a delicious treat that’s worth trying if you’re looking to experience a taste of Swiss culture.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
2.	In another bowl or a large measuring cup, mix together the yeast and sugar in 250 ml of warm milk. Let sit for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the surface.
3.	Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, along with the remaining milk and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4.	Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5.	Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
6.	Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, roughly 35-40 cm long.
7.	Braid the 3 ropes together, pinching the ends together to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet.
8.	Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9.	Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush the bread with the egg yolk and milk mixture.
10.	Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

PROS

Zopf is a delicious and traditional Swiss bread that is perfect for breakfast or any time of day.
It is soft, fluffy, and has a slightly sweet taste thanks to the addition of sugar and butter.
The bread is also rich in protein and carbohydrates, providing a boost of energy to start your day.

CONS

One potential downside of Zopf is that it is a relatively high-carb food, which may not be suitable for those following a low-carbohydrate diet.
Additionally, the bread contains gluten, which can be a problem for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Zopf is not exactly a health food, it does have some nutritional benefits. The bread is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. It also contains some healthy fats from the butter. Additionally, the yeast in the bread may have some probiotic benefits for gut health. However, it is important to enjoy this bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

	1 kg plain flour
	1 tablespoon salt
	30 g yeast ( or a 1/4 ounce packet )
	1 tablespoon sugar
	125 g melted and cooled butter
	650 -700 ml milk
	1 egg yolk , thinned with
	milk