Ham and Swiss Dijon Braid

Kaarin's Note:

This is incredibly yummy!!! It's a dijon flavored bread braided over layers of ham, swiss and dill pickle. It's a great party bread-beautiful and different.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 4 cups flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (I like Grey Poupon made with white wine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 lb thinly sliced deli ham
• 2 cups shredded swiss cheese (8 oz)
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

1. Combine 3 cups flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. In a small saucepan heat water, Dijon mustard, and butter to 120-130 degrees.
3. Stir yeast into liquid.
4. Let set 5-10 minutes until yeast is foamy.
5. Add liquid to dry ingredients.
6. Stir in remaining 1 cup flour to form a stiff yet pliable dough.
7. Knead 6-8 minutes (I use my kitchenaid dough hook for about 4 minutes).
8. Roll into a 12x14 inch rectangle on a greased baking sheet.
9. Layer 1/2 lb of ham over the dough.
10. Top with the cheese.
11. Add the pickle.
12. Arrange the remaining 1/2 lb of ham on top.
13. Starting on a long side, cut 1 inch wide strips about 3 inches long toward the center (A kitchen shears or sharp knife works well).
14. Repeat on the other long side.
15. Starting at one end, fold strips at an angle across filling, alternating sides, tucking ends under next strip.
16. Pinch ends to seal.
17. Cover with a cloth and let rise for 15-20 minutes.
18. Brush with the egg.
19. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
20. Serve warm with Dijon mustard.

Reviews

[windywood]

I used frozen bread dough to make this faster. It was delicious served with spicy mustard. Sliced on diagonal to make it prettier.

[berry271]

I made this for supper last night. I liked it and my husband really enjoyed it. The flavor combos are very nice. It is neat to have the Dijon in the bread. I think this would be great on a party or buffet table. I would give it 5 stars if the bread part of the recipe was better, the flavor was good but the texture seemed lacking to me.

[pzlqueen]

Hallelujah! This was a family favorite recipe. I originally found it in a magazine advertisement for Grey Poupon. I lost my copy and and turned my house upside down but couldn't find it. Thank you Kaarin for posting this fabulous recipe. It is a winner! Goes well with vegetable soup or a salad. Every time I made it for company they loved it! My husband and children will be glad that I found this recipe on line.