How to Make Turtle Bread

Form uncooked bread dough into a turtle shape for a whimsical bread.

Turtle bread gets its name from its shape, which resembles a turtle. Using thawed frozen bread dough saves time, but you can use your favorite bread dough recipe. This turtle-shaped bread makes an eye-appealing option for your dinner table or for decorating the table at a party.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb thawed frozen bread dough
• Knife
• 2 raisins
• Kitchen towel
• Baking sheet
• Cooking spray
• 1 egg, beaten
• Pastry brush

Instructions

1. Cut six golf-ball sized rounds from the bread dough. Leave the rest intact.

2. Shape the larger piece into a round for the turtle body.

3. Roll five of the smaller pieces into balls for the feet and head.

4. Press four of these against the four corners of the body, on the bottom of the dough round, and push the last dough ball between two of the feet on one side of the turtle for the head. Insert two raisins into the top of the head for the eyes of the turtle.

5. Mold the remaining small piece of dough into an elongated triangle for the tail, and press it into the body of the turtle opposite the head. Lightly score with the knife a cross-hatch pattern into the top of the turtle body to make diamonds on the shell.

6. Cover the turtle with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

8. Uncover the turtle and transfer to a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

9. Apply a beaten egg over the surface of the turtle with a pastry brush. This creates a glossy finish for the bread.

10. Bake the turtle for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the turtle before serving.

References

• Betty Crocker: Turtle Bread Recipe
• All Recipes: Turtle Bread
• Family Fun: Turtle Bread
• Rhodes Bread: Tommy Turtle Recipe