Herb-Parmesan Bread

By AnneS

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter, divided
• 1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed basil, oregano, thyme or dillweed

Preparation

Step 1

Brush frozen loaf with 1 Tablespoon butter. Cover; thaw at room temperature 2-3 hours, or in refrigerator 6-10 hours. Sprinkle loaf with 1/3 cup cheese; knead until well blended. Cut dough into thirds. On lightly floured surface roll each third in a 25 inch rope. Braid ropes together. Invert a 10 ounce custard cup on a greased baking sheet. Shape the braid into a wreath around the cup; pinch the ends together to seal. Brush with remaining 1 Tablespoon butter; sprinkle with remaining 1 Tablespoon cheese and basil. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place 35-45 minutes, until doubled in size.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden and done. Remove to rack and cool.