A Simple Braided Bread

Discover the art of homemade bread baking with this Simple Braided Bread recipe, a perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and stunning visual appeal. Made with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopping, golden-brown loaf. The dough’s pillowy softness is achieved with a combination of warm milk, butter, and an egg, creating a rich and tender crumb. This step-by-step guide walks you through crafting the elegant braid, an easy technique that adds a bakery-worthy touch. With just 25 minutes of prep time and a light egg wash for a glossy finish, this bread is perfect for elevating weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or a casual brunch spread. Versatile and impressive, this homemade braided bread is sure to inspire compliments at the table! Keywords: braided bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, soft bread loaf, dinner bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup warm water
• 0.5 cup warm milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat the warm water, warm milk, and unsalted butter over low heat until the butter just melts. Ensure the mixture is warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.

Step 3

Add the warm liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Then mix in the egg.

Step 4

Gradually add the remaining 1.5 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, roughly 18 inches in length.

Step 8

Place the three ropes side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the tops of the ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath to secure the braid.

Step 9

Cover the braided dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffy.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the braided bread with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.

Step 12

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 13

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	943.5 grams (943.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2302

Total Fat 64.50g	83%
Saturated Fat 33.30g	166%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 506mg	169%
Sodium 2563mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 368.00g	134%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 45.40g
Protein 63.40g	127%

Vitamin D 131IU	655%
Calcium 282mg	22%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 862mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.2%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 63.8%