Quick Ham & Cheese Braid - Jellibean Journals

Last week four loaves of meaty cheesy bread goodness emerged from our warm oven in record time.

I love that!

Each loaf is prepared in less than 25 minutes, from mixing to sliding-into-oven time. These beauties are deliciously impressive and very filling- enough for a crowd. Expecting visitors for coffee? Impress them with one of these delightful braids.

Quick Ham & Cheese Braid

Serves: 1 loaf

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages quick-rise yeast
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
¼ cup mustard
2 tablespoons butter
½ pound thinly sliced deli ham
½ pound sliced pastrami
3 slices Muenster cheese
3 slices Cheddar cheese
oregano, basil, or herbs of choice
1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt.
In a glass measuring cup, warm mustard, water, and butter in the microwave. 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. (Or mix with dough hook in large mixer on med. for 6 minutes.)
Divide dough in half and roll each half into a 14-in. x 6-in. rectangle.
Arrange ham over half the dough. Top with cheddar and sprinkle liberally with herbs. Top other half with remaining pastrami and muenster and sprinkle with herbs.
Roll each rectangle up lengthwise, pinching together the seam and rolling the log a bit to seal.
Cross ropes together in the center and continue to twist. Tuck ends under and pinch to seal.
Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.