Best 2 French Bread Braids Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**French Bread Braids: A Taste of French Bakery at Home**

Indulge in the delightful aroma of freshly baked French bread with our collection of French bread braid recipes. These intricate loaves, with their golden-brown crust and soft, airy interior, are a feast for the senses. From the classic 3-strand braid to creative variations like the 4-strand braid and the pull-apart monkey bread, our recipes offer a range of options to suit every baker's skill level. Whether you're a seasoned bread maker or just starting your baking journey, our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips will guide you to create stunning French bread braids that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delicious baking adventure!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRENCH BREAD BRAIDS



French Bread Braids image

My family and friends loves my bread and I love to make and bake breads and it is so easy to fix it. They are so good and tasty and moisture.

Provided by Lisa Johnson

Categories     Savory Breads

Time 4h20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 3/4-53/4 c all purpose flour
1 Tbsp sugar
3 tsp salt
2 pkg active dry yeast
2 c water
2 Tbsp shortening
1 Tbsp water
1 egg white

Steps:

  • 1. In large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast, mix well. In small saucepan, heat 2 cups water and shortening until very warm (120 to 130 F.). Add warm liquid to flour mixture, blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in an additional 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 cups flour to form a stiff dough. On floured surface, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, cover loosely with greased plastic warp and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 F.) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes. Grease large cookie sheet. Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough in half, divide each half into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into 14-inch rope. Braid 3 ropes together, seal ends. Place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon and egg white, beat sightly. Carefully brush over loaves. Cover, let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 20 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375 F. Uncover dough, brush loaves again with egg white mixture. Bake at 375 F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet, cool on wire racks for 1 hour or until completely cooled.

FRENCH BREAD BRAIDS



French Bread Braids image

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 3/4 to 5 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3 teaspoons salt
2 packages active dry yeast
2 cups water
2 tablespoons shortening
1 tablespoon water
1 egg white

Steps:

  • 1. In large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast mix well. In small saucepan, heat 2 cups water and shortening until very warm (120 to 130°F.). Add warm liquid to flour mixture blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in an additional 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 cups flour to form a stiff dough.2. On floured surface, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85°F.) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes.3. Grease large cookie sheet. Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough in half divide each half into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into 14-inch rope. Braid 3 ropes together seal ends. Place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with other half of dough.4. In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon water and egg white beat slightly. Carefully brush over loaves. Cover let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 20 to 30 minutes.5. Heat oven to 375°F. Uncover dough brush loaves again with egg white mixture. Bake at 375°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet cool on wire racks for 1 hour or until completely cooled.High Altitude (above 3500 feet): No change.Nutrition Information Per Serving: Serving Size: 1 Slice * Calories: 80 * Calories from Fat: 10 * % Daily Value: Total Fat: 1 g 2% * Saturated Fat: 0 g 0% * Cholesterol: 0 mg 0% * Sodium: 180 mg 8% * Total Carbohydrate: 16 g 5% * Dietary Fiber: 1 g 2% * Sugars: 1 g * Protein: 2 g * Vitamin A: 0% * Vitamin C: 0% * Calcium: 0% * Iron: 6% * Dietary Exchanges: 1 Starch or 1 CarbohydrateSee Cook's Note: Keep Rising Dough Covered, and Cook's Note: How to Braid Yeast Bread Dough

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • To achieve a crispy crust and soft interior, use strong bread flour with a high protein content (at least 11%).
  • Activate the yeast properly by dissolving it in warm water (105-115°F) and letting it foam for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
  • Knead the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test. This ensures proper gluten development and a well-structured bread.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature and the amount of yeast used.
  • When shaping the braids, make sure to stretch and roll the dough strands gently to avoid tearing. Pinch the ends together firmly to secure them.
  • Before baking, brush the braids with a beaten egg wash for a golden-brown crust.
  • Bake the braids in a preheated oven at a high temperature (450°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
  • Allow the braids to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This helps retain the moisture and prevent the braids from becoming dry.

Conclusion:

French bread braids are a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe provides clear instructions and helpful tips to create perfect French bread braids. From mixing the dough to shaping and baking the braids, each step is explained in detail to ensure success. With a little practice, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with these beautiful and flavorful braids.

Related Topics