Braided Golden Egg Loaves

These soft, golden egg loaves are perfect for sharing at breakfast or brunch. Their beautiful braided shape and rich, tender crumb make them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F/43 to 46 degrees C) 6 tablespoons honey 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast 6 cups bread flour, divided, or more as needed ¼ cup olive oil 4 eggs 3 tablespoons vital wheat gluten 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon salt

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by mixing the water, honey, and yeast in your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it gets nice and foamy. Next, add 3 cups of flour, olive oil, eggs, wheat gluten, and butter to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for a couple of minutes until everything starts to come together. Then, sprinkle in the salt and the remaining 3 cups of flour and continue mixing on low. If the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, keep mixing for another 5 to 7 minutes. If it still feels sticky, add flour a little at a time, kneading for a couple of minutes after each addition until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl.

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Step 2

Grease a large bowl and transfer your dough into it. Cover with a damp towel and find a warm spot in your kitchen to let it rise until it’s doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Once it’s risen, punch it down gently and split it into two equal pieces. Place each piece into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan or on a baking sheet, then let them rise again until doubled, about another hour.

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Step 3

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C). Let them cool a bit before slicing and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough consistency.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot to help it double in size.
- Brush the loaves with egg wash just before baking for a shiny, golden finish.

Why you’ll love it

This bread is not only beautiful to look at but also soft and flavorful. The golden crust and tender crumb make it perfect for any meal. It’s a fun recipe that adds a special touch to your baking routine.

Serving ideas

Enjoy these loaves fresh with butter and jam for breakfast or as a side with soups and salads. They also make delicious sandwiches when sliced thick. Warm slices paired with cheese or honey are a simple treat.

Storage & leftovers

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves and thaw them at room temperature before serving.