Braided bread loaves are a delight to make, and the process involves just one extra step compared to regular bread.

If you know how to braid hair, you can easily braid bread dough. With simple ingredients, this homemade bread recipe is both easy to follow and yields great flavor and texture!

Ingredients

1 cup room temperature water

1 1/2 cups, 375ml, warm milk

2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

4-5 cups, 1kg, bread flour

Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the water, milk, and yeast. Stir in the olive oil and sugar.

Add the salt and 2 cups of flour, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add the rest of the flour, but be careful not to overdo it — use just enough to form a dough that easily follows the spoon as you stir.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4 minutes. Continue adding flour if necessary until the dough feels soft and smooth.

Place the dough into a greased medium bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Once risen, transfer the dough back to the floured surface, kneading for another 4 minutes to remove any air bubbles.

Divide the dough into three equal parts. Roll each piece into a rope shape.

Line up the ropes on a floured surface, pinch the top ends together, and braid them. Pinch the bottom ends to secure the braid. Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet.

Cover and let the dough rise again in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, sprinkle the braided loaf with poppy seeds and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove the loaf from the baking sheet and let it cool on a rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked braided bread!