Braided Bread

Yield: 1 loaf

1 loaf frozen bread dough, unthawed

Filling of your choice

Egg glaze: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

1. Preheat oven to 350º Line a baking sheet with parchment or spray with non-stick spray.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12” x 15” rectangle.
3. Place filling down center of rectangle, going the long way.
4. Use a pastry scraper to make 1/2-inch cuts along the edge of the dough on either side of the filling.
5. Starting at one side, criss-cross the cut strips over the filling. Pinch ends together to keep in the filling.
6. Transfer braided dough to prepared baking sheet. Brush dough with egg glaze.
7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Sweet Fillings:

Cream cheese: 8 ounces cream cheese beaten with 1/3 cup sugar
Fruit: Solo brand fruit pastry filling (available with pie fillings at the grocery store)

Savory Fillings:
Sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and chopped basil
Pizza sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella
Ham and cheddar cheese