Yeast braid is a classic German bread that’s delicious on its own or eaten with butter, Tupperware jam or spreads. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to please, especially for Easter!
This yeast-based dough is hearty and chewy, so it’s perfect for sandwiches and burgers. It bakes in just one hour or less and is easier to shape than it looks!
Start by dissolving active dry yeast in warm water, then add a little oil and honey. Stir to combine and let it sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast. It can be difficult to know when your water is at the right temperature, so I like to use an instant-read thermometer.
Next, add milk to the yeast mixture and whisk to dissolve the sugar. Make sure the milk is lukewarm so that the yeast will activate easily.
If you have an instant-read thermometer, this will be the easiest way to ensure that your water is lukewarm enough. The best temperature for water is 110 degrees, but 115 degrees will also work.
For this recipe, you’ll need 1 cup of active dry yeast, 1/2 cup of water and a bit of granulated sugar. Place the ingredients into a large bowl and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
After that, transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead it until smooth. If you find that the dough is too sticky, add a bit of flour. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it into a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, shape it into 3 pieces and roll them into long ropes about 12 to 13 inches long. Line them side-by-side on a floured board.
Alternatively, you can form each piece of dough into a tight snake that’s about 12 to 15 inches long. Regardless of the method, you’ll want to fold each rope over twice so that it’s stable and has some structure.
Then, braid the ropes as you would braid your hair. You’ll want to start at the center of the ropes and work your way to the ends. You can tuck the ends under at this point to give them a neat appearance and to keep the braid from stretching as it bakes.
Repeat the process with all three pieces of dough until you’ve made a full braid. You can finish with an egg wash to give it a pretty shine before baking.
Braided bread is a fun project for kids and an easy way to teach them how to braid their hair! You can even practice this skill with a small amount of bread dough.
This easy-to-make recipe uses whole wheat flour and a little bit of honey for sweetness, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to try a healthier alternative to store-bought white bread. The result is a soft, chewy loaf that tastes even better than its healthier counterparts!