How to Braid Filled Dough

Cut small flaps to braid filled dough.

Creating a braided design adds a decorative touch to home-baked breads. While some braids interweave three pieces of dough, filled breads use a layering technique instead. A quick braided design can be added to filled breads of any kind, from fruit-filled breakfast breads to breads stuffed with cheese and served at dinner. Use your favorite dough recipe to make the bread, or use a store-bought dough for convenience. Does this Spark an idea?

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Baking sheet
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  
  Roll the dough out on a greased baking sheet, creating a 12-by-15-inch rectangle. Spoon the filling mixture lengthwise down the center of the dough.
- 2
  
  Create flaps along the outer edges of the dough, using a small knife to make 2-inch long horizontal cuts at 1-inch intervals. Make cuts in the same position on each side, leaving the center section of the dough uncut.
- 3
  
  Fold alternating flaps of dough in from each side. Starting at the bottom edge, place the flaps at a slight diagonal across the filling, laying each one across the top of the previously folded flap. Pinch the top and bottom ends of the dough together to seal the loaf.
- 4
  
  Cover the bread with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. Then bake it according to your recipe instructions.