Delicious Braided Bread with Homemade Pesto

This recipe for braided bread with pesto will delight your taste buds with its soft, fluffy texture and the burst of flavors from the homemade pesto. It is a perfect choice for a casual dinner or a potluck gathering. The braided bread is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can easily create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup homemade pesto (see recipe below)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Sprinkle yeast over the water-sugar mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and 5 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is only slightly sticky. You may not need to use the entire 6 cups of flour.
5. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
8. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, approximately 12-14 inches in length.
9. Place the ropes side by side on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper.
10. Starting from the top, gently press the ends of the ropes together.
11. Take the left rope and cross it over the center rope. Repeat with the right rope, crossing it over the center.
12. Continue braiding the ropes until you reach the bottom. Pinch the ends together and tuck them underneath the loaf.
13. Cover the braided bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
14. While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
15. Once the bread has risen again, spread the homemade pesto over the top of the loaf, making sure to cover the entire surface.
16. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
17. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

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