Zopf Great Tasting Swiss Bread

Experience the irresistible charm of Zopf, a traditional Swiss bread known for its golden-brown crust, fluffy texture, and signature braid. This recipe combines simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, butter, and eggs to create a rich, slightly sweet loaf that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dinner side. The braided design isn’t just for aesthetics—it ensures an even, tender crumb that will delight every bite. Crafted with easy-to-follow techniques, including kneading and braiding, this homemade bread offers a rewarding baking experience that makes store-bought loaves pale in comparison. Serve your Zopf warm, slathered with butter, homemade jam, or alongside savory dishes for a true taste of Switzerland. Perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread while offering a timeless culinary tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 250 milliliters Milk
• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 1 unit Large egg
• 1 unit Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is just melted. Let the mixture cool slightly until lukewarm.

Step 3

Lightly beat the egg and add it to the lukewarm milk and butter mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 5

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.

Step 8

Roll each portion into a long rope, about 40–45 cm in length. Pinch the ends of the ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath for a neat finish.

Step 9

Transfer the braided dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to make the egg wash. Brush it evenly over the bread.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden-brown color and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 13

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your traditional Swiss Zopf bread!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(941.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2640.3

Total Fat 71.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 526.1mg	0%
Sodium 3738.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 423.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.6g	0%
Total Sugars 39.3g
Protein 72.6g	0%

Vitamin D 172.4IU	0%
Calcium 456.4mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 1118.6mg	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: 24.5%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 64.4%