Cheese Braided Bread

• flour↗6 -7 cups
• salt↗1 tablespoon
• sugar↗1 teaspoon
• yeast2 (1/4 ounce) packages
• plain yogurt↗1 cup
• butter or 2 tablespoons margarine↗2 tablespoons
• eggs (room temperature)↗6
• cheddar cheese, shredded↗8 ounces
• milk↗2 teaspoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a large bowl.

2. 2

   Combine yogurt, 1/2 cup water and butter in a saucepan; heat over low heat until warm.

3. 3

   Gradually add to dry ingredients and beat for two minutes at medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally.

4. 4

   Reserve 1 tablespoon beaten egg for topping; add remaining eggs, 1 cup flour and 1 1/2 cups cheese.

5. 5

   Beat on high for two minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.

7. 7

   Turn out on lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about ten minutes.

8. 8

   Put in a greased bowl, turning to grease top of dough; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about an hour).

9. 9

   Punch down; divide dough in half.

10. 10

    Divide each half into three pieces and shape each piece into a 12" rope.

11. 11

    Braid the three ropes together and pinch ends together to seal; repeat with the second loaf.

12. 12

    Place loaves into a greased 9 x 5" loaf pan, cover and let rise until doubled.

13. 13

    Combine reserved egg and milk; brush over loaves.

14. 14

    Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

15. 15

    Bake in a preheated 375F oven 30 minutes or until done.

16. 16

    Remove from pans and cool on racks.