Published Date: May 31, 2021 | Last Updated: March 9, 2023
Just thought you should know how to form the most beautiful loaf of bread to ever grace your table 🤩. And it’s a fact that pretty bread tastes better.
Just thought you should know how to form the most beautiful loaf of bread to ever grace your table 🤩. And it’s a fact that pretty bread tastes better.
Braided bread is usually recognizable as Challah bread, which has a beautiful and symbolic significance to the Jewish religion. Usually, on the eve of Shabbat, two loaves of Challah are placed on the table to reference the Jewish teaching that a double portion of manna fell from heaven on Friday to last through the Saturday Shabbat.
So, if you make this bread- don’t forget to double the recipe and make two loaves for your table. 😉
It’s good to note that you can make a six-strand braid from ANY bread recipe and not just from a Challah recipe. Use a white sandwich bread recipe, a French bread recipe, a sourdough recipe, etc. The braid can be accomplished on any of those doughs.
For more detailed instructions about how to maintain and use sourdough starter see my Natural Yeast Sourdough Sandwich Bread post.
Six Strand Braided Bread
This bread is a win-win. Both absolutely gorgeous and delicious. Can't wait for you to see how it looks on the table!
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup active starter
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 3 T honey
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Combine ingredients above. If using your own dough, skip to step 3. Knead ingredients until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise until double.Divide into six equal portions and make each portion into a rope. Braid the dough (see video) and cover until doubled in size. Brush with a beaten egg* and add toppings if desired. Bake at 350° F for 35 min. Tent with foil if browning is too dark.
