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+ servings

Easy Braided Bread Recipe

Homemade braided bread recipe. This easy bread loaf is so beautiful when served and so airy and soft. The perfect white bread loaf recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Author: Valentina

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
  • 3/4 cup water, warmed to 110°F
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • poppy seed or sesame seed, optional

Instructions

how to make braided bread dough-

  • Sift flour into a large bowl and create a well in the center.
  • Pout the milk and water in to the well.
  • Add salt to water, lightly stir. Sprinkle yeast over top of water and sprinkle sugar over yeast. Let the yeast active, until it becomes foamy and activates, 3-5 minutes.
  • Add in the whisked egg and stir to combine. Mix everything until dough is lumpy.
  • Transer onto a floured surface and knead 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and flour is well combined.
  • Lightly grease bowl with cooking spray. Place dough into bowl. Cover the bowl and allow to rise 1 hour.

how to braid bread-

  • Gently, divide dough into three equal parts.
  • Roll out each part into about 15-inch ropes.
  • Braid the dough loosely, tucking edges under the braid. Once braided, stretch the middle out gently.
  • Brush top of braid with oil or water and cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise 45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Whisk egg yolk and water. Brush braid with the egg wash, sprinkle with poppy seed (optional).
  • Bake braid 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.