Braided Basil Pesto Bread

This tender, herb-flavored bread proves that pesto can be used for much more than just a sauce for pasta. The bright green sauce is swirled throughout a brioche-style dough to add an aromatic freshness and a beautiful pop of color. Made in the Bread Oven, the dough is braided into a loaf that looks impressive but is simple for anyone to master.

3/4 cup warm milk

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

3 large eggs, room temperature

2 tablespoons honey

3 1/2-4 cups all purpose flour, plus additional for rolling

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup prepared basil pesto

Vegetable oil

Place milk and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer, and stir to combine. Add eggs, honey, 3 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix for about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons butter and mix again until combined. If the dough is very sticky, add the additional 1/2 cup flour, a bit at a time, until the dough is smooth to touch.

Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and pesto in a small bowl.

To form the loaf, place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and punch down. Roll dough evenly into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread the pesto butter evenly over the top of the dough. Starting with the longer end, tightly roll up the dough to form an 18-inch long log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise. Place the halves next to one another with cut sides facing up. Pinch the ends together on one side and gently twist the 2 pieces of dough around each other 3 to 4 times. Finish by pinching the ends together. Carefully shape the twisted dough into a ring by bringing the pinched ends together.

Brush the base of a Bread Oven with oil. Carefully place the braided loaf into the base of the Bread Oven. Cover with the lid and set in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until risen and puffy.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Place covered Bread Oven in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake 20-25 minutes longer, until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before removing bread from the base.