Swiss Zopf

Delight in the timeless Swiss tradition of baking with this Swiss Zopf, a beautifully braided bread known for its soft, pillowy interior and golden, glossy crust. Made with a handful of pantry staples like flour, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, this iconic loaf is rich, slightly sweet, and irresistibly tender. The recipe guides you through the art of braiding, creating a stunning centerpiece for your breakfast table or brunch spread. Brushed with an egg wash for that signature sheen, the Zopf bakes to perfection in just 35 minutes. Serve it warm with butter, jam, or cheese for an authentic Swiss experience, and enjoy the comforting, homemade aroma that fills your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:155 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour
• 10 g Salt
• 30 g Granulated sugar
• 7 g Instant yeast
• 250 ml Milk
• 60 g Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 Egg
• 1 Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp Milk (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.

Step 2

Gently warm the milk until it is lukewarm, then add it to the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Add the softened butter and one egg into the mixture, and knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 60 cm (24 inches) in length.

Step 6

Place the two ropes side-by-side and cross them in the middle to form an 'X'. Braid the ropes by alternating one side over the other, working your way to the ends. Tuck the ends underneath the loaf to secure the braid.

Step 7

Transfer the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a clean towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the loaf with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 10

Bake the Zopf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(946.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2672.3

Total Fat 71.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 536.2mg	0%
Sodium 4169.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 429.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.6g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 72.8g	0%

Vitamin D 219.0IU	0%
Calcium 469.0mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 1133.9mg	0%

*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: 24.2%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 64.8%