Here’s a simple and classic recipe for braided bread—soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. I’ll give a basic recipe and instructions for a 3-strand braid, which is the most common.
Ingredients (1 loaf)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs (1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
- Optional: sesame or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and 1 tsp sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and softened butter.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough:
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the braid:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope of equal length.
- Lay the ropes side by side and pinch the tops together.
- Braid by crossing the right strand over the center, then the left over the center, repeating until the end. Pinch the ends and tuck under.
5. Second rise:
- Place the braid on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake the bread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat the remaining egg with 1 tsp water and brush over the braid for a shiny finish. Sprinkle seeds if desired.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and serve:
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
💡 Tips:
- For a slightly sweet bread, add 1 tsp vanilla or 1–2 tbsp honey to the dough.
- You can make a 4-strand or 6-strand braid for a fancier look.
- Braided bread also works great with cinnamon sugar filling or chocolate chips for a dessert version.
If you want, I can give a quick no-yeast braided bread recipe too that doesn’t require rising—it’s faster but still beautiful. Do you want that version?
