HERBED CREAM CHEESE BRAIDS

There’s something about the creamy, savory filling that makes these braids extra delicious. Bake in the Betty Crocker or your regular oven. Enjoy!

Yield: 12 Cream Cheese Braids

Dough:

1 tablespoon dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

½ cup warm water

½ cup apple juice

3 cups flour

1 ½ tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon salt

Egg, whisked for egg wash

Maldon salt, for garnish

Filling:

3 tablespoon cream cheese

3 tablespoons sour cream

3 cubes frozen dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

3 cloves crushed garlic

3-4 cubes frozen, sauteed onions (or 1 small white onion, sauteed)

Salt and pepper to taste

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:

1. Filling: In a medium bowl, stir in all the filling ingredients until combined. Set aside.

2. Dough: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, warm water and apple juice, and stir softly until dissolved. Let proof for about 3-5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oil, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until combined. With gloved hands, knead until the dough is smooth.

4. Place in a warm area, cover with a dishtowel, and let rise for about 1 hour.

5. Grease your counter with cooking spray or sprinkle with flour.

6. Divide the dough into 6 balls. Roll each ball into a 6x10 inch rectangle (not too thin).

7. Spoon some filling lengthwise, down the center of the dough.

8. Cut slits 1 inch apart along the two sides of the rectangle.

9. Starting at one end, fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides, to “braid” the dough. Continue to fold the dough strips until the filling is covered completely. Cut each braid in half, so you have two smaller braids (you should get two 2 braids per dough ball).

10. Brush the braids with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky salt.

11. Line your Betty Crocker with parchment paper. Place the braids inside and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

TIP: To Bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350° and bake braids on a lined baking sheet for about 30- 35 minutes, until golden brown.