Brioche braid filled with salami, cheese, and walnuts

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. And when that bread is a buttery brioche filled with savory meats, gooey cheese, and crunch walnuts, it’s hard to resist tearing off a piece and savoring every bite.

Brioche is a type of French pastry that is similar to bread. It’s made with a rich, buttery dough that is rolled and ed into a squiggly shape. What makes brioche so special is its high egg and butter content which gives the bread a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor.

When it comes to this brioche braid filled with salami, cheese, and walnuts, it’s really all in the filling. First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For the salami, you’ll want to look for a high quality Italian dry-cured sausage. For the cheese, go for something that has a sharp, tangy flavor like cheddar, gruyere, or Parmesan. And finally, don’t skimp on the walnuts. They add a nice crunch and nuttiness to the filling.

To start, you’ll need to make the brioche dough. There are plenty of recipes online, but most call for flour, yeast, sugar, salt, eggs, and butter. You’ll need to mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and then add in the eggs and butter. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise until it’s doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Chop the salami and cheese into small pieces and then mix them together in a bowl with the walnuts. If you want to add some extra flavor, you could also add some dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle and then spread the filling over one half of each rectangle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal it.

Now it’s time to braid the dough. Cut each rectangle into three long strips, making sure not to cut all the way through. Braid the strips together and then tuck the ends under to form a neat loaf. Cover the loaf and let it rise again until it’s doubled in size.

While the loaf is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F. When the loaf is ready, brush it with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a little water) and then bake it for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Once the loaf is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. You’ll find that the filling is evenly distributed throughout the brioche and the bread itself is tender and buttery. The salami and cheese add a salty sharpness to the loaf, while the walnuts give it a nice crunch.

This brioche braid filled with salami, cheese, and walnuts is a great snack or appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. You can serve it as is, or with a side of mustard or chutney for dipping. It’s also great for breakfast or brunch, served alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

In conclusion, brioche is a versatile pastry that can be made in a variety of sweet and savory ways. This brioche braid filled with salami, cheese, and walnuts is a delicious and easy recipe that’s sure to impress. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a new baked good to add to your repertoire.