Best A Simple Braided Bread Recipes

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CHALLAH I



Challah I image

Traditional egg bread for the Jewish Sabbath. You can add 1 cup raisins or golden raisins to the dough just before shaping and then make the loafs into round braids for Rosh Hashanah.

Provided by Joan Callaway

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Egg     Challah Recipes

Time 3h40m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
½ cup honey
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tablespoon salt
8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over barely warm water. Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs, and salt. Add the flour one cup at a time, beating after each addition, graduating to kneading with hands as dough thickens. Knead until smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding flour as needed. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.
  • Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto floured board. Divide in half and knead each half for five minutes or so, adding flour as needed to keep from getting sticky. Divide each half into thirds and roll into long snake about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pinch the ends of the three snakes together firmly and braid from middle. Either leave as braid or form into a round braided loaf by bringing ends together, curving braid into a circle, pinch ends together. Grease two baking trays and place finished braid or round on each. Cover with towel and let rise about one hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40 minutes. Bread should have a nice hollow sound when thumped on the bottom. Cool on a rack for at least one hour before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 164.5 calories, Carbohydrate 30.3 g, Cholesterol 18.6 mg, Fat 2.8 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 241.3 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

A SIMPLE BRAIDED BREAD



A Simple Braided Bread image

I love this recipe because it is simple, quick, and easy to do. Anyone who can defrost food and turn the oven on can make it. It is also as good, if not better, than bread made from scratch!

Provided by Papa Di

Categories     Breads

Time 2h25m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 loaves frozen white bread dough (Found in the frozen food section of your grocery)
1 egg, mixed with
2 tablespoons water
poppy seeds or sesame seeds
nonstick cooking spray
cornmeal

Steps:

  • Thaw frozen bread until it can be cut in half (lengthwise) with a sharp knife, but has not started to rise.
  • Take the halves and roll them out to about 16 inches in length and about 1 inch in diameter. The length and width are not that important, but they should all be the same length and width.
  • Braid 3 of the halves together to make 2 loaves. Tuck the ends under so they will stay together and not burn.
  • Place the loaves on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray and coated with corn meal. The corn meal is not necessary but addes that homemade look.
  • Brush the egg wash on the bread and sprinkle with the poppy or sesame seeds.
  • Let rise until double in size (Appr. 45 min.).
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place loaves in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread tapped sounds hollow. Option--at the end of 15 minutes turn the bread around. This insures even browning.
  • Remove the bread from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.
  • Note: I make this bread at Christmas time and give them to friends along with homemade cookies and candy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.8, Fat 2.5, SaturatedFat 0.8, Cholesterol 105.8, Sodium 35.3, Carbohydrate 0.2, Sugar 0.2, Protein 3.1

BRAIDED BREAD



Braided Bread image

My grandmother inspired me to try cooking. Homemade bread is my passion. I've always loved it, and in order to satisfy my appetite for it, I decided I'd have to learn to make my own bread. Nothing tastes better than a warm slice topped with butter.-Al Latimer, Bentonville, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 to 9 cups bread flour
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) quick-rise yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2-1/2 cups water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup honey
4 eggs
Cornmeal
2 teaspoons cold water
Sesame or poppy seeds

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine 5 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Heat water, butter and honey to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat on medium speed. Separate one egg; refrigerate the egg white. Add egg yolk and remaining eggs to yeast mixture; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down and divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds; shape each into a rope about 18 in. long. Sprinkle two greased baking sheets with cornmeal; place three ropes on each baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends firmly and tuck under. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes., Beat cold water and reserved egg white; brush over the dough. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks.

Nutrition Facts :

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A simple braided bread recipe is a type of bread that is made by braiding strands of dough together before baking. The bread is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and salt, and can be flavored with a variety of additional ingredients such as sugar, herbs, and cheese. Braided bread is a popular recipe that is enjoyed all around the world, and is often served as part of a meal or as a snack.

Ingredients

To make a simple braided bread recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the dough:
  • 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 package of active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • 1/2 cup of warm milk
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
For the egg wash:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions

To make a simple braided bread recipe, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, along with the warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface, and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough by pushing it away from you with the heels of your hands, then folding it over onto itself and repeating. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal portions, and shape each portion into a long rope about 1 inch in diameter. Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends tightly to seal them.
Step 5: Let the dough rise again
Place the braided dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Brush with egg wash
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash onto the surface of the bread.
Step 7: Bake the bread
Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a simple braided bread recipe is an easy and delicious way to bake bread at home. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a beautiful and flavorful loaf of bread that is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and see how much fun it can be to bake your own bread from scratch!

Valuable Tips for Making a Simple Braided Bread Recipe

Braided bread is a classic baked good that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for an easy breakfast or a tasty snack, braided bread is sure to satisfy your taste buds. However, making braided bread can be tricky for first-time bakers. Below are some valuable tips to ensure your braided bread comes out perfect every time.

Tip #1: Use the Right Flour

The type of flour you use can make a huge difference in the outcome of your braided bread. Bread flour is the best type of flour to use for braided bread because it has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. This protein content helps to develop gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture.

Tip #2: Activate the Yeast

Yeast is an essential ingredient in braided bread, as it helps the bread rise and gives it a light and fluffy texture. To activate the yeast, you'll need to dissolve it in warm water before you add it to your dough mixture. The water should be warm but not hot; around 100-110°F is ideal. Adding a pinch of sugar to the warm water can help activate the yeast as well.

Tip #3: Knead the Dough Well

Kneading the dough is essential for developing gluten, which helps to give the bread its chewy texture. When kneading the dough, be sure to use your hands and work in a circular motion. Don't be afraid to apply a little bit of pressure to the dough, as this will help to activate the gluten.

Tip #4: Let the Dough Rest

After you've kneaded the dough, it's important to let it rest. This resting period allows the gluten to fully activate, which makes the dough easier to work with. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into a braid.

Tip #5: Divide the Dough Evenly

When shaping your braided bread, it's important to divide the dough evenly. This ensures that your bread will be uniform and cook evenly. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out the dough and divide it into three even pieces.

Tip #6: Roll the Dough Properly

Rolling the dough properly is essential for creating a beautiful braided bread. To roll the dough, start by flattening each dough ball into a thin strip. Be sure to leave the ends slightly thicker than the middle to help create the braided effect. Once you've rolled out all three pieces, braid them together and tuck the ends underneath.

Tip #7: Brush the Bread with Egg Wash

Brushing the bread with egg wash just before baking will help to give it a shiny golden-brown crust. To make the egg wash, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk. Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash all over the surface of the bread.

Tip #8: Bake at the Right Temperature

Braided bread should be baked at a high temperature of around 375-400°F. This allows the bread to cook quickly and evenly, creating a light and fluffy texture. Bake the bread for around 20-25 minutes or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Tip #9: Let the Bread Cool Completely

Once your braided bread is baked, it's important to let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the bread to set and ensures that it will be easier to slice. Resist the temptation to slice into the bread right away, as it may collapse or become too doughy.

Tip #10: Store the Bread Properly

Braided bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. However, it's best to consume the bread within a day or two of baking to ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't become too dry. Overall, making a simple braided bread recipe is not difficult, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure that your braided bread comes out perfect every time. Happy baking!

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