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Up close of crown bread braid.
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4.78 from 9 votes

Nadiya Hussain's Crown Bread Recipe

Nadiya Hussain's savory take on a classic crown bread recipe is a feast for the senses. Filled with salty tapenade and rich blue cheese and then glazed with apricot jam, this recipe is perfect for any special occasion!
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Rising Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Servings: 6
Calories: 357kcal
Author: Ruth Grindeland
Cost: $15 - $20

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 7 g instant yeast
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4.5 oz warm milk
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 4.5 oz olive tapenade
  • 5.5 oz blue cheese
  • 3 tbsp apricot jam
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

  • Mix the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
  • Add butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles small crumbs.
  • Add the dried rosemary to the flour mixture.
  • Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
  • Pour in the milk and add the beaten egg.
  • Mix everything to form a rough dough.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

  • Transfer the dough onto a floured or oiled surface.
  • Knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough becomes stretchy and smooth.
  • (Alternative) If using a mixer, attach the dough hook and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

  • Place the kneaded dough in a clean bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • During this time, line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

  • Once the dough has doubled, gently knock out the air.
  • Roll the dough on a lightly floured or oiled surface into an 11x15-inch rectangle. Aim to make this as even as possible; this will help ensure a prettier crown. Trim off the ends with a knife to even the shape into a neat rectangle.
  • Evenly spread the tapenade and crumble the blue cheese over the dough.
  • Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the longer edges.

Step 5: Creating the Crown Shape

  • Leave about an inch from the top edge and cut down the center of the rolled dough, ensuring the top remains connected.
  • Carefully lift the first strand over the second strand. Repeat this to create a braid similar looking to a rope. Then, gently move the dough to create a round shape.
  • Trim off the ends and pinch the dough together or an even look.
  • Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking tray.
  • Cover lightly with cling film and let it rest for about 30 minutes, allowing it to rise slightly.

Step 6: Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 425F/220C
  • Once the dough has risen, place the tray in the oven.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until the bread is golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

  • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • Warm up the jam in the microwave for 15 seconds.
  • Brush the warm jam over the top of the bread for a glossy finish.

Step 8: Serving

  • Slice and serve the bread warm or at room temperature.
  • Enjoy your homemade crown bread with family and friends!

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 775mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 1mg