Twisted Spinach Pesto Bread
Description
This stunning braided bread is as delicious as it is beautiful. Soft and fluffy dough pairs perfectly with a fresh spinach pesto, creating a show stopping centerpiece or flavorful side dish.
Spinach Pesto Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Spinach Pesto
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1. Place all pesto ingredients (spinach, olives, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice) into a food processor. 2. Pulse for 1–2 minutes until smooth and fully combined. Adjust seasoning if needed and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
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1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. 2. Add warm plant-based milk, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well. 3. Knead by hand or with a mixer on low speed for 3–4 minutes until the dough is soft and no longer sticky. 4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
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1. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces. 2. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle using a rolling pin. 3. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread a thin layer of pesto on top, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Repeat with two more circles, stacking them and spreading pesto between each. Leave the top circle plain.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
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1. Place a small round object (e.g., a jar lid) in the center of the top layer to create an indent. 2. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 16 equal sections, starting with quarters, then halving each section repeatedly. 3. Twist each pair of strips outward 2–3 times and pinch the ends together to form a star shape.
Step 5: Final Rise and Bake
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1. Cover the assembled bread with cling wrap and let it rise for 20 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 3. Brush the top of the bread with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. 4. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 413.07kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33.06g51%
- Saturated Fat 15.55g78%
- Trans Fat 0.04g
- Sodium 224.96mg10%
- Potassium 139.36mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 21g8%
- Dietary Fiber 5.58g23%
- Sugars 1.98g
- Protein 12.77g26%
- Vitamin A 33.85 IU
- Vitamin C 2.12 mg
- Calcium 40.26 mg
- Iron 2.62 mg
- Vitamin E 3.36 IU
- Vitamin K 44.23 mcg
- Thiamin 9.82 mg
- Riboflavin 9.83 mg
- Niacin 57.69 mg
- Vitamin B6 9.64 mg
- Folate 33.8 mcg
- Vitamin B12 7.79 mcg
- Phosphorus 129.89 mg
- Magnesium 83.01 mg
- Zinc 3.85 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips:
- For a stronger flavor, add a clove of garlic to the pesto.
- To ensure clean cuts, chill the dough slightly before shaping.
Warnings:
- Be careful not to overfill with pesto to avoid leakage during baking.
- Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky by adding a small amount of flour or water as needed during kneading.
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