Have liquid ingredients at 80°F and all others at room temperature. Place ingredients in pan in the order recommended by manufacturer. Select basic or white bread cycle and medium/normal crust. Do not use the delay timer. Remove bread from pan when cycle is finished; cool on wire rack.
Braided loaf
Have liquid ingredients at 80°F and all others at room temperature. Place ingredients in pan in the order recommended by manufacturer. Select dough/manual cycle. When cycle is complete, continue with next step.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and punch down to remove air bubbles.
To Braid: Divide dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each section to form a rope about 1-inch in diameter. On greased cookie sheet, braid ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under ends. Cover; let rise in warm place until indentation remains after touching, about 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Brush egg wash on risen dough. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed, if desired. Bake at for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet; cool on rack.