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Easy Egg Bread

This easy pillow-y soft yeast bread is enriched with eggs and butter for delightful flavor. Our recipe features a simple three-stranded braid that results in an impressive looking homemade loaf without much fuss. Try this old-fashioned egg bread for any meal.
Easy Egg Bread
Yield 1 large braided loaf

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups bread flour (divided)
  • 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons table salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons shortening or butter
  • 3 large eggs (slightly beaten)

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

  • In a stand mixer bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. In saucepan or microwave-safe dish, heat water, milk and shortening/butter until warm (120-130°F; shortening/butter does not need to melt). Add to flour mixture. Blend at low speed, slowly adding slightly beaten eggs – one at time, until fully incorporated; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
  • Switch to dough hook attachment. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a firm dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 8 minutes.
    (NOTE: For hand mixing: following above steps, mix ingredients in large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon or dough whisk. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.)
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until indentation remains after poking dough with finger down to second knuckle, about 1 hour.
  • Punch down dough. Divide into 3 parts. On lightly floured surface, roll each third to a 15-inch rope. On greased cookie sheet loosely braid from center to ends. Pinch ends and tuck under to seal. Cover; let rise in warm place until indentation remains after lightly touching, about 30-45 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Whisk together egg wash ingredients. Brush loaf with egg wash. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet; cool on wire rack.

Notes

If you would like to add in ingredients such as raisins, work them into the dough after kneading.
Photo by A Treats Affair.