BEEF 'N' CHEESE BRAID

Beef 'n' Cheese Braid image

I love to experiment with foods and baking, and I thought that by putting beef and cheese in the middle of bread it would taste like a sub sandwich - and it does! The recipe may sound complicated, but it's actually easy to make.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 50m

Yield 1 loaf.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup butter, divided
2-3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded dried beef
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Soften 2 tablespoons butter; add to yeast mixture with 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt and egg; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. , Turn out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , In a small bowl, combine the beef, cheese and basil; set aside. Punch dough down. Roll into a 12-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Cut dough lengthwise into three 12-in. x 3-in. strips. Melt remaining butter; brush some over strips. , Divide beef mixture in thirds and sprinkle down the center of each strip. Bring lengthwise edges together and pinch to seal, forming a rope. Place on a greased baking sheet, seam side down. Secure one end and braid the ropes together; secure other end. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes., Brush with remaining melted butter. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 239mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.