Cheese Braid

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Preparation:

• Heat milk and water in small saucepan over medium heat until liquids are very warm (120°F–130°F). Place 3 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to speed 2 and mix for 15 seconds. Gradually add warm liquids to bowl, waiting about 30 seconds between each addition. Continue mixing for an additional minute. Add cheese and mix for 1 minute.



• Continuing on speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl. Knead on speed 2 for 2 minutes longer, or until dough is smooth and elastic.



• Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.



• Punch dough down and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 14" rope. Braid 3 ropes together, tucking ends under, to form one loaf. Place on greased baking sheet.



• Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.



• Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Remove from baking sheets immediately and cool on wire racks.



• Recipe provided by KitchenAid.