Ham and Cheese Braid

This is a great way to use up leftover ham!

1 loaf bread dough (you can use frozen)

1/4 cup softened butter (I use less)

1 tbsp. ranch dressing mix (dry packet)

8 ounces thinly sliced ham or 1 1/2 cups chopped ham

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Roll bread dough onto a greased 12-by-17-inch cookie sheet. Combine butter and ranch dressing mix, spread mixture evenly over dough (reserve 1 tbsp of mixture to top braid). To make the braid, cut 1-inch wide strips along both of the long edges of the cookie sheet. The strips should be 1-inch wide by 4 inches long: this will leave a 4-inch rectangle strip in the center for the filling. Layer ham and cheese down the center of the rectangle. Starting at one end, pick up one of the strips and lay over the filling. Alternate on each side to form a criss-cross pattern. Brush the top with remaining butter mixture. Let rise for 25 minutes and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and bottom.