Pesto-Swirled Braided Loaf

1. 1

   Start the dough: Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Let sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, make the pesto: Process basil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Slowly pour in olive oil with the processor running until the pesto thickens. Add Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and kosher salt; process for 20 seconds. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to combine.

3. 3

   Finish the dough: Whisk flour and kosher salt together in a bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture and olive oil to the yeast mixture; stir until just combined. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add more flour.

4. 4

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Turn the dough over so all sides are oiled. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil and let sit until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. 5

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently stretch and elongate the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread pesto over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Starting at the long edge, gently roll the dough around the pesto. Pinch the seam to seal.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Place the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to cut the roll in half lengthwise. Turn the dough so the cut edges are facing up. Keeping the cut edges up, gently crisscross the dough. Form it into a round or oval wreath shape and pinch the edges to seal. Let rest for 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

• Calories 267.54 kcal — Moderate 13%
• Protein 9.37 g — Moderate 19%
• Carbohydrate 32.17 g 12%
• Total Fat 10.45 g — Moderate 13%
• Saturated Fat 2.85 g — Moderate 14%
• Trans Fat 0.0 g ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Cholesterol 11.84 mg ⌄ Low Source 4%
• Sodium 137.25 mg — Moderate 6%
• Dietary Fiber 2.2 g ⌄ Low Source 8%
• Total Sugars 1.33 g --
• Added Sugars 1.24 g ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Calcium 170.59 mg — Moderate 13%
• Iron 2.22 mg — Moderate 12%
• Potassium 29.45 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Vitamin A 43.92 mcg ⌄ Low Source 5%
• Vitamin C 1.2 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Vitamin D 0.0 mcg ⌄ Low Source 0%

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Citrus 🍊
• Tree Nuts 🌰
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Garlic 🧄