Soft Homemade Braided Bread with Honey and Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For Brushing & Topping:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture (Starter):
- In a bowl, mix together:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 10 g dry yeast
- 230 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 tablespoons of flour (from the total amount)
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly risen.
- In a bowl, mix together:
-
Make the Dough:
- Add the remaining flour (from the 600 g total) and the teaspoon of salt to the starter.
- Mix and knead by hand until the dough starts to come together.
- Add 50 g of softened butter and knead the dough for 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Shape the Bread:
- Once risen, divide the dough into 14 equal pieces — enough to make 3 braided loaves (4 strands each, plus 2 extra balls).
- Roll each piece into a rectangular shape using a rolling pin, then roll it up tightly into a log.
- Seal the ends of each log and lightly roll to elongate.
- Take 4 logs and braid them together. Seal the ends well.
-
Final Proof & Bake:
- Place each braided loaf in a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush over the loaves.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
Best served warm with butter or jam. This fluffy, slightly sweet bread is perfect for breakfast or as a side to any meal.
