Cheeseburger Stuffed Braid – The Ultimate Loaded Burger Bread

Juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft bread all in one epic pull-apart braid!

This stuffed braid takes your favorite cheeseburger flavors — seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, onions, and a touch of pickles — and wraps them in soft, buttery bread dough. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner, it’s as delicious as it is impressive.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 package (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Cheeseburger Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard

For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1 Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add melted butter and the yeast mixture to the flour.
4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Tip: Warm milk activates the yeast; don’t overheat it or it may kill the yeast.

2 Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, pickles (if using), ketchup, and mustard.
7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly — this prevents the dough from becoming soggy.

3 Assemble the Braid

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
3. Place the cheeseburger filling in a line down the center of the dough, leaving 2 inches of space on each side.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips (about 1 inch wide) on both sides of the filling.
5. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides, to create a braided pattern.
6. Tuck the ends under to seal.

4 Add the Egg Wash

1. Brush the braid lightly with the beaten egg and milk mixture.
2. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown finish.

5 Bake

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
2. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing — the filling will be hot and melty.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra ketchup, mustard, or pickles on the side.
• Pair with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh salad.
• Slice thick for a main dish or thin for appetizers at parties.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill: Too much filling may cause the braid to break.
• Cheese choice: Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the braid and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze before baking for a convenient future meal. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes from frozen.

Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger Braid: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling.
• Veggie Cheeseburger Braid: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Braid: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Double Cheese: Layer mozzarella under cheddar for an ooey-gooey center.