Introduction
Easter is a time for celebrating and indulging in delicious treats. One of the most beloved Easter treats is braided bread. Braided bread is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter table. In this blog post, we will share with you two of our favorite braided bread recipes that will surely impress your family and friends. So, let’s get started!
Recipe 1: Sweet Braided Bread for Easter
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk, warm water, melted butter, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a dough is formed.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope.
- Braid the ropes together and place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, beat the egg white with water. Brush the mixture over the braided dough.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the dough.
- Bake the braided bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 302
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions
This sweet braided bread is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’re good to go.
Variations
You can add raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts to the dough to make it even more delicious.
Substitutions
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the bread healthier. You can also use honey instead of sugar.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the bread for up to three months.
Tips
Make sure the water and milk are not too hot, or they will kill the yeast. The dough should be soft and elastic but not too sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this bread ahead of time?
- Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
- Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?
Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. The next morning, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking.
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
Yes, you can use any type of nut you like, such as pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
Recipe 2: Savory Braided Bread for Easter
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried rosemary to the bowl. Mix until a dough is formed.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope.
- Braid the ropes together and place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with water. Brush the mixture over the braided dough.
- Bake the braided bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions
This savory braided bread is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a hearty soup or stew.
Variations
You can add grated cheese or chopped olives to the dough to make it even more flavorful.
Substitutions
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the bread healthier. You can also use fresh rosemary instead of dried.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the bread for up to three months.
Tips
Make sure the water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. The dough should be soft and elastic but not too sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this bread ahead of time?
- Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?
- Can I use a different type
Yes, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. The next morning, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking.
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.