Brunch

Braided Bread with Pumpkin and Cheese

★★★★★ 4.7 (194)

This cozy bread combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with creamy cheese for a delicious twist on a classic loaf. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a comforting snack any time of day.

◷ 1 hr 20 min Total Time

♜ 4 Servings

▥ Hard Difficulty

Jump to Recipe ↓

Ingredients

4 servings

1 cup milk ¾ cup warm water 3 ½ tablespoons honey 1 ½ tablespoons instant yeast ¼ cup vegetable oil 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree 6 ½ cups bread flour 2 teaspoons salt 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided

Delicious Chicken Sandwich

Instructions

Step 1

Start by mixing the milk, warm water, honey, and yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer with the dough hook attached. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast gets soft and foamy. Then add the oil, pumpkin puree, flour, and salt, in that order, and mix everything together until you get a soft, smooth dough that’s a little sticky. If it feels too gooey, sprinkle in a bit more flour, or add a touch of water if it’s too dry.

Step 2

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for a few minutes until it feels elastic. Shape it into a ball, pop it into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour and a half to two hours.

Step 3

Once your dough has risen, divide it into two balls. Lightly flour both, then put one back in the bowl, covered, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready for it. Roll the other ball out into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Sprinkle half of the Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the short side, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams together to seal.

Step 4

Next, carefully slice the roll lengthwise down the middle with a sharp knife. Place the two halves side by side with the cut sides facing up, then braid them together by crossing the right piece over the left and keep the cut sides facing up as best you can. Pinch the ends to seal, then place the braid into a greased loaf pan, cut side up. Cover with plastic wrap. Repeat the rolling, filling, and braiding process with the other dough ball.

Step 5

Let the loaves rise again until they’re puffed up and just about reaching the top of the pan, which should take around 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen, take off the plastic wrap and bake them for 25 minutes. Then rotate the pans, tent the loaves with foil to keep them from getting too dark, and bake for another 25 minutes or until they’re a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6

When they’re done, take the pans out of the oven and let the bread cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the loaves to a wire rack and let them cool completely, about an hour, before slicing and enjoying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is a delightful combination of sweet pumpkin and savory cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Its braided shape makes it visually appealing and fun to share. The soft, moist texture pairs wonderfully with both breakfast and snacks.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. It also pairs well with soups, especially creamy or roasted vegetable varieties. For a sweet twist, drizzle with honey or a light glaze.

Storage Tips

Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread tightly wrapped and thaw before serving.