Golden Sesame Braid
Introduce a touch of elegance to your baking repertoire with the Golden Sesame Braid, a show-stopping homemade bread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This soft and fluffy braided loaf combines the richness of whole milk, melted butter, and a hint of sweetness for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Topped with a glossy egg wash and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, the bread bakes to a stunning golden-brown hue, making it an impressive centerpiece for any table. Whether you’re serving it alongside soups and salads or simply enjoying it warm with a pat of butter, this braided bread is a crowd-pleasing indulgence. With just 30 minutes of prep time and straightforward kneading and braiding techniques, it’s approachable even for novice bakers. Try this recipe for a fresh, bakery-style loaf that will elevate your homemade bread game!
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
In a small saucepan, gently warm the water and milk until lukewarm (about 110°F). Be careful not to overheat.
Add the warm water-milk mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 16-inch long rope.
Place the three ropes side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the tops of the ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath for a neat finish.
Cover the braided dough loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the braided dough, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top of the braid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and allow the braid to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
225 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.2 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 256 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.7 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 23 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 67 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
