Make this slightly sweet, fluffy loaf with a honey egg wash that produces the most beautiful golden-brown color!
An Easy Braided Bread Recipe
Braided bread may seem intimidating but the recipe below is really easy to make. This braided bread has a rich flavor with a light cake-like ‘crumb’. It’s perfect for French toast or with a simple swipe of strawberry or cinnamon butter. Or serve it for breakfast alongside eggs in purgatory or with a plain poached egg.
Ingredients for Braided Bread
Eggs – Use fresh large eggs at room temperature for faster and smoother mixing. Add one extra egg yolk in Step 2 for a richer flavor. Milk – Whole milk makes braided bread rich and flavorful. Half and half or non-dairy milk will work but won’t deliver as much flavor. The best non-dairy alternative to milk for baking is oat milk because its creamy consistency is closest to whole milk. Flour – Braided bread uses bread flour, which makes the dough more elastic (easier to braid) and lighter.
Variations
Add raisins and dried fruit like cherries or cranberries in Step 2. Seasonings like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin spice will produce a fragrant loaf with a warmer flavor. For savory braided bread, add garlic powder or fresh herbs and bake the bread with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the egg wash.
How to Make Braided Bread
Tips for Yeast Bread
If using active dry yeast, bloom it first by mixing it with the milk and water for about 10-15 minutes (see notes below). The egg wash process is more than a presentation! It keeps the dough moist, allowing the dough to rise in Steps 1, 2, and 3 before it’s baked. Resist the urge to ‘over roll’ the dough. The logs should be evenly sized and thick, a thin long loaf will dry out faster. Choose the number of logs you want and line them up vertically to you. A small amount of water at the top of the beginning of the bread is a good way to secure the ends before you start braiding, just press them onto each other and when the braid is complete, tuck the ends under. Freeze an unbaked loaf of braided bread on a baking sheet and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw overnight before baking.
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