Ham and Cheese Braid

I posted this recipe quite a while ago and since then I've modified it slightly and taken new pictures. I love the combination of flavors. I originally got the recipe from my friend Laurel when we were in a freezer meal group together. With my modifications it now makes 2 large sandwich braids which feeds my family of 6 with plenty of left overs.

Ham and Cheese Braid

2 loaves frozen Rhodes bread dough
1/2 cup or 1 stick butter, softened
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoon poppy seeds

Thaw bread dough by placing on a greased platter and covering with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap. Set out at room temperature for 4-5 hours or until thawed.

Take one loaf of bread dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/2" thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut strips about 2 1/2 inches long into each side of the dough rectangle - make sure to cut the same number of strips on each side. In a bowl combine softened butter and dry ranch dressing mix. 1/4 of the butter mixture down the middle of the dough. Place half of the ham down the center of the dough over the butter. Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheese over the ham. Starting on one side of the rectangle criss-cross the strips of dough to create a sandwich braid. Tuck and pinch the ends of the loaf together well so it doesn't unravel when baked. Brush 1/4 of the butter over the top. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds. Place on a greased or silpat lined baking sheet.

Repeat this process with remaining loaf of bread dough and place on the same baking sheet. Cover sandwich braids with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30-40 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until top and bottom of sandwich braid is golden brown. Cut into pieces and serve.