The Best Braided Bread Recipes
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Braided bread are the perfect golden showstoppers at any window display of a bakery. The twisted, plump, thick bread with the right crisp and tenderness is the epitome of bread-making. Ever fantasize about making them yourself?
Well, they are easier to make than you think! Braided bread is perfect for any occasion when you want to blow away your guests, and make an excellent first impression. You might find it easier to work with if you get the hang of it. We have collected some fantastic braided bread recipes. And they are as delicious as they look.
The Braided White Bread
The recipe is perfect for a beginner. You can make two pretty loaves from it. It is great if you have just begun to work with yeast breads. You can pair it with any soup you like, or with some pasta. If you’re cooking to impress, this simple yet elegant braided bread recipe is the way to go.
Steps To Make Braided White Bread
- In a large bowl, mix together room temperature 1 ½ cup water and one tbsp yeast.
- Add ¼ cup soft butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
- Then add 3 cups of bread flour and mix it.
- Add one more cup of flour and make the dough.
- Turn the dough into a lightly dusted surface and knead it for around 10 minutes.
- Place the dough into a bowl. Lightly grease it and cover with a plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour.
- Punch down the airy dough and knead.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Take 3 pieces and roll them into long strips of about 12 inches long.
- Line the side of the strip by side and braid them. Pinch the ends together.
- Set the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes until the bread top is golden brown.
- Remove the loaf and cool it. Voila!
Some Other Types Of Popular Braided Bread
1. Traditional Braided Sabbath Bread
It is a traditional Jewish bread called a ‘challah.’ The recipe is great for any day of the week, for an intimate family dinner. You can also make it to go for a romantic picnic outdoors. So, it is ideal for any situation.
The recipe makes two gorgeous braided white bread loaves that contain egg whites. The toasted poppy seeds make the perfect savory and beautiful bread.
2. The Czech Hoska
It is a rich and flavourful bread made traditionally by the Bohemians and the Czechs. It is similar to challah, but it is made with eggs and butter. You can bake it with or without resins. Another plus point of this braided bread is that if you have some leftovers, you can whip up some bread pudding or some delightful French toast.
3. Braided Farmer’s Cheese Bread
Love the combination of simple cheese and bread? So do we and so does this recipe. The recipe has decadent farmer’s cheese fillings with the perfect chewy bread. It is the go to comfort food for date nights, family parties, and picnics.
The versatile braided bread can go with any dish ranging from pasta, soup, chicken recipes and a lot more. You can also gift it to a foodie brother or sister!
4. Sweet Yeasted Bread
Are you craving some sweet savory bread on the side of some sweet corn soup, or some hot chili Manchurian? The sweet yeasted bread is perfect with a variety of dishes. Share it with a loved one over a pot of hot coffee and you’ve got the perfect breakfast.
5. Sesame Whole Wheat Braided Bread
With the perfect looks and a healthy ingredient list, you can make it for your family within the hour. Use whole wheat bread instead of all purpose flour to make it more nutritious. For the finishing touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top to make it pop.
It is a simple recipe which you can enjoy as it is, or with some cream cheese or butter, whatever you choose, your family will be thrilled.
6. Herb And Romano Cheese Wreath
Is it time for the festivities? Do you need to make something magnificent to impress your family? Then look no further. With the braided cheese wreath, you not only have a grand bread, but you also have the most delightfully subtle flavours of the herbs and cheese.
You can easily bake it and cool it completely if you want to use it later. Make it ahead a day or two. You can wrap it in foil and place it in an airtight zip-lock plastic bag. When you are ready, warm it up with some butter brush and place a bowl of freshly whipped cream to go with it. You have the party ready.
7. Celebration Braided Bread
Want a bit more oomph in your braided bread recipe? Then don’t just stick to the regular braided version, make a double braided bread monster for the celebrations! You can gift these golden loaves to your family as a gift, and they are sure to love them.
The recipe is somewhat similar to the traditional Jewish recipe, Challah. Keeping the recipe somewhat similar, buckle up the braiding style to make them extra special.
8. The Braided Egg Bread
The delicate bread will be trending every time you serve it. The amplified version of the simple bread recipe makes it tender, with deep seated richness. The best part- you can make it from scratch with a few ingredients within a few steps. Make this straightforward braided bread and become the rock star of the kitchen.
9. Cardamom Twist
How can we mention some of the most famous bread recipes without mentioning one that is full of cardamom punch? Everyone loves cardamom flavor. Bake this golden bread. It has a soft centre and a crunchy texture outside.
Get the perfect flavor of cardamom with each bite. These slices shine especially when paired with cream cheese, maple syrup, or some honey butter.
Some Out Of The Box Ideas For Your Next Braided Adventure
1. Mashed Potatoes
Ever wonder what mashed potatoes can make your braided loaves even more delicious? Mashed potatoes contain a huge amount of starch that makes them absorb more moisture while kneading. Hence, braided bread containing mashed potatoes are extremely moist, but crispy on the outside.
2. Line Between Bread And Desert
Are you looking for a unique braided bread recipe that you can eat as bread, or even pass it as a desert? Satisfy your palette with some almond braided bread. You can use almond flour and toasted almond chunks to make it like a puffed pastry. It is easy, yet fulfilling.
Serve it some tea or coffee, or go for it during breakfast, lunch or dinner. It has a light, flaky exterior and a rich almond centre. Make it when you have too many almonds to spare.
3. The Solution To The Thanksgiving And Hanukkah Clash
Are you worried of hurting the sentiments of your extended family? Then mix two traditional recipes to make an excellent fusion- the pumpkin egg braided bread.
Use some pumpkin puree for the recipe and some pumpkin spices. Try it with some handmade flavoured butter, and use the leftovers for French sandwiches.
4. Seeded Braids
Can’t get your kids to eat healthy? Toast a variety of nuts and seeds and use it as topping for your next braided bread. You can try a variety of seeds such as crunchy green pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. They add a great flavor and visual appeal.
5. Glaze
Make your braids shine with some easy glaze. Combine confectioners’ sugar, orange juice and zest together. Make a paste and drizzle over the bread and this makes a tropical orange glaze. Similarly, you can add other fruits to make flavoured glaze.
