Beautiful braided bread recipe. How’s that for an alliteration? Somewhat of a work of art, this is one delicious loaf of bread that you almost feel bad about cutting in to…almost.
Homemade Braided Bread Loaf Recipe
I say almost, that is, but not quite since it’s just so darn tasty with it’s spongy, soft center and perfectly golden crust. Lightly brushing the dough with an egg and water mixture gives the loaves a beautifully shiny golden finish.
Soon after the loaves have cooled a touch, they are pretty much devoured in our household. After all, isn’t enjoying freshly baked bread one of life’s little pleasures?
We shared a few homemade bread recipes on the blog such as our grandma’s classic white bread recipe as well as our pull-apart Christmas tree dinner rolls, our Italian loaf recipe, sweet bread buns and homemade dinner rolls.
Braided Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk divided
- 1.5 tbsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Combine yeast ingredients (1.5 tbsp yeast;1 cup warm milk;1 tsp sugar) in a cup and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes.
- In the meantime, place flour and salt in a mixing bowl and mix together.
- Add yeast mixture to flour mixture.
- Add 1 cup warm milk and oil and continue mixing.
- Dough needs to be firm so if you find the dough appears sticky, add more flour to firm up the dough.
- Mix for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from bowl and knead by hand for 2-3 minutes on a floured surface.
- Leave for 1 hour covered with a paper towel.
- Knead again for another 2-3 minutes.
- Leave for ½ hour covered with a paper towel.
- When double the size, divide dough into 6 parts for making two loaves in a 9×13 pan.
- Lengthen the dough to about 40cm long.
- Work 3 strands and braid the dough loosely together to form one loaf. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Place in a parchment lined pan greased lightly with oil. Separate the two loaves down the center with parchment paper. Grease the loaves on all sides.
- Brush on one beaten egg with 1 tbsp water.
- Optional – add sesame seeds over the loaf after brushing on the egg mixture.
- Add 2-3 cups of water in an oven-safe dish and place inside oven on a separate rack. This will give the bread a shiny appearance.
- Bake at 385F for 30 minutes. Loaves should be golden colored on to the top.
Nutrition
Got leftover bread?
Did you know you can make your own bread crumbs at home? Check out this simple post for making homemade bread crumbs that you can then use for making these delicious frozen perogies and steamed cauliflower.
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Jen
Wednesday 3rd of January 2024
This came out great. I served it with a maple cinnamon butter. I kinda want to try to braid it before the second rise and let it rise in the braid to see if it makes it a little fluffier but this was delicious as is!
Cris
Monday 26th of June 2023
We used all ingredients and followed it well and it turned out great. It is two cups a milk by the way. We did have to add a teaspoon of flour to the recipe. The key is to mix the dough with flour as you are rolling it.
Danielle
Friday 24th of February 2023
Mine came out perfect!!! Wondering if it can be made gluten free ???
Nicole
Monday 6th of February 2023
Attempting now! I did half AP flour half Bread flour and added an egg into my dough. Had to add 4 spoonfuls of flour to get it to come together correctly. When you have it rise, is it correct in reading leave out on the floured surface with a paper towel (not moistened) on top? I’m so used to rising bread dough in a greased bowl with Saran Wrap or warm moist towel on top to keep moisture in.
Might change it up a bit but will post again with results
Andrea
Thursday 26th of January 2023
How do you add filling to it?
Leigh Simmons
Sunday 12th of March 2023
@Andrea, I added two cups of cheese as well as 4 tablespoons of butter at room temperature. I incorporated the butter before the yeast, and the cheese in with the addition of the 2 cup of butter.
Jane and Sonja
Sunday 29th of January 2023
Hi Andrea, we haven't tried adding a filling to this bread, what sort of filling were you wanting to add?