Cheese Braided Bread

A handsome bread that smells and tastes divinely of cheese. From an old newspaper clipping I've had for years.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 50 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 6 -7  cups flour
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 2 (1/4ounce) packages  yeast
• 1  cup plain yogurt
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine
• 6  eggs (room temperature)
• 8  ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2  teaspoons milk

Directions

1. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Combine yogurt, 1/2 cup water and butter in a saucepan; heat over low heat until warm.
3. Gradually add to dry ingredients and beat for two minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
4. Reserve 1 tablespoon beaten egg for topping; add remaining eggs, 1 cup flour and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
5. Beat on high for two minutes.
6. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
7. Turn out on lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about ten minutes.
8. Put in a greased bowl, turning to grease top of dough; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about an hour).
9. Punch down; divide dough in half.
10. Divide each half into three pieces and shape each piece into a 12" rope.
11. Braid the three ropes together and pinch ends together to seal; repeat with the second loaf.
12. Place loaves into a greased 9 x 5" loaf pan, cover and let rise until doubled.
13. Combine reserved egg and milk; brush over loaves.
14. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
15. Bake in a preheated 375F oven 30 minutes or until done.
16. Remove from pans and cool on racks.