Braided Mediterranean Bread Delight
This Braided Mediterranean Bread Delight is a stunning and savory appetizer that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of Italy in a beautifully braided loaf. Originating from a cherished coworker recipe, this dish features a delightful combination of Genoa salami, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and green onions, all enveloped in a rich garlic-infused dough. Ideal for gatherings or as a delicious snack, this versatile recipe allows you to customize the filling to your liking. Serve warm or at room temperature to impress your guests and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
16
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
frozen bread dough
1 loaf (thawed according to package directions (white or wheat))
Genoa salami
1/4 lb (sliced and cut into strips)
provolone cheese
1/4 lb (sliced and cut into strips)
roasted red peppers
1 (7 ounce) jar (drained and chopped)
green onions
2 (chopped)
egg
1 (beaten with 1 teaspoon of water)
poppy seed
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil and crushed garlic cloves. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic turns golden and releases its aroma. Discard the garlic and reserve the garlic-infused oil for later use.
2
On a lightly floured surface, stretch and roll the thawed bread dough into a square approximately 12 inches on each side. Place the dough on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush the surface generously with the reserved garlic-infused oil.
3
Evenly distribute the sliced salami and provolone cheese over the dough, leaving approximately a 1-inch border at the top and bottom and a 3-inch border on each side.
4
Place the chopped roasted red peppers and chopped green onions down the center of the dough atop the salami and cheese.
5
Using a knife or kitchen scissors, make eight 3-inch diagonal cuts along both sides of the filling. Carefully fold the dough strips over the filling in an alternating pattern to create a beautiful braided effect, pinching the ends of the dough to seal the filling inside.
6
Brush the braiding with the beaten egg mixture and sprinkle poppy seeds on top to enhance flavor and presentation. Allow the loaf to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30 to 45 minutes or until puffy. Note that the rising time may be longer when using wheat bread.
7
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaf has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Immediately transfer the bread from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
8
Slice into 16 servings and enjoy warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Nutrition Information
4.4
Fat
6.25
Carbs
2.81
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Braided Mediterranean Bread Delight?
This is a stunning and savory Italian-inspired appetizer featuring salami, provolone, and roasted peppers wrapped in a braided garlic-infused dough.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of Genoa salami, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and green onions.
How do I prepare the garlic-infused oil?
Combine olive oil and crushed garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, then discard the garlic and save the oil.
What type of dough is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one loaf of frozen white or wheat bread dough, thawed according to package directions.
How large should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be stretched and rolled into a square approximately 12 inches on each side.
How do I create the braided look?
Make eight 3-inch diagonal cuts along both sides of the filling and fold the dough strips over the center in an alternating pattern.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The bread should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bread take to bake?
The loaf typically bakes for 35 minutes or until it reaches a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
One loaf yields 16 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 4.4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 6.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per slice?
There is 2.81 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use wheat bread dough instead of white?
Yes, wheat bread dough can be used, though it may require a longer rising time.
How long should the dough rise before baking?
Allow the loaf to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30 to 45 minutes until it becomes puffy.
What is used to top the bread?
The loaf is brushed with a beaten egg mixture and sprinkled with poppy seeds.
How should the roasted red peppers be prepared?
The roasted red peppers from a 7-ounce jar should be drained and chopped before being added to the filling.
What meat is recommended for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 pound of Genoa salami, sliced and cut into strips.
What kind of cheese is best for this bread?
The recipe specifies 1/4 pound of provolone cheese, sliced and cut into strips.
Is this bread served hot or cold?
It can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature.
How long should the bread cool after baking?
It should cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
What should I do with the garlic after heating it in oil?
The garlic cloves should be discarded after they turn golden and release their aroma.
How do I seal the filling inside the braid?
Pinch the ends of the dough together after braiding to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
What border should be left when placing ingredients?
Leave a 1-inch border at the top and bottom and a 3-inch border on each side of the dough.
Can the filling be customized?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows you to customize the filling to your personal preference.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 2 chopped green onions.
What is the egg wash made of?
The egg wash is one egg beaten with one teaspoon of water.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as an ideal savory appetizer for gatherings and party food.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Italian, bread, appetizer, braided, savory, Mediterranean, snack, and party food.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originated from a cherished coworker.