Festive Savory Christmas Bread

This delectable savory Christmas bread combines the rich flavors of smoked ham, tangy pickles, and sweet red bell peppers. Its fragrant aroma and delightful texture make it a perfect centerpiece for any festive meal. Blending tradition with unique ingredients, this bread offers a hearty and satisfying bite, elevating a simple meal to a celebration. The soft dough is infused with olive oil and a hint of garlic, complemented by freshly chopped herbs for an inviting taste. While the filling is hearty and flavorful, the preparation process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both seasoned and novice bakers. Serve this bread warm from the oven to experience its full range of flavors. The bread's golden-brown crust is achieved by brushing it with milk during baking, enhancing both its appearance and taste. Enjoy this bread as a delightful accompaniment to soups and salads, or as a standalone snack. Once baked, it can be easily stored and enjoyed over several days; simply reheat slices in the oven before serving.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 125 ml milk
• 75 g smoked ham, diced
• 75 g pickled cucumber, diced
• 75 g red bell pepper, diced
• 50 ml olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 packet of dry yeast (7g)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Spices:

• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)

Preparation Time

100 minutes in total (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 15 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough: Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture. Stir in the olive oil until combined.
3. Incorporate the Ingredients: Add the beaten egg, diced smoked ham, pickled cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic powder, and chopped herbs to the flour mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
4. Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's elastic and smooth.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, shape it into an oval loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 20 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
9. Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of the loaf with milk. Using your fingers, gently press dimples into the surface.
10. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. For a deeper color and crispier crust, brush with milk two to three times during baking.
11. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips

• Substitutions: Replace smoked ham with turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
• Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for a rich, cheesy crust.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 per slice
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 32g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the smoked ham and add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hearty vegetable or chicken soup for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
• Add a selection of cheeses and cured meats for a festive bread board.

Best Places

• Bread Ahead Bakery - Known for its mouthwatering pastries and artisanal baked goods. Location: Borough Market, London, UK.
• Tartine Bakery - Famous for its hearty loaves of bread and flavorful pastries. Location: Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Poilâne - A prestigious bakery with a focus on a range of breads with complex flavors. Location: Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
• Seven Seeds - Offers a variety of delicious bread and coffee combinations. Location: Berkeley St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Flour and Stone - Blends traditional techniques with innovative flavors for stunning baked delights. Location: Riley St, Sydney, Australia.
• Balthazar Bakery - Combines New York edge with Parisian tradition in their bread making. Location: Spring St, New York City, USA.
• Backhaus - A German bakery offering authentic bread with complex flavors. Location: Theresienstrasse, Munich, Germany.
• Kontra Coffee - Known for pairing exquisite coffee brews with artisan pastries. Location: Valdemarsgade, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Bakery Levain - Offers a rustic selection of bread with unique flavors. Location: Hythe St, Kent, UK.
• Forno Campo de' Fiori - Famous for its delicious and traditional Italian breads. Location: Campo de' Fiori, Rome, Italy.