Recipes > Braided Italian Bread Find A Store Braided Italian Bread This Braided Italian Bread is made with a Biga starter. It’s braided and has a sesame seed encrusted outside and soft inside. Yield 1 loaf Print Recipe Pin Recipe 3 Reviews IngredientsBiga3/4 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup warm water (120-130°F)1/4 teaspoon Platinum YeastDough2 teaspoons Platinum Yeast (remainder of the packet)2/3 cup warm water (120-130°F)2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon table saltTopping1 large egg1 tablespoon water1/4 to 1/3 cup sesame seeds InstructionsMake the Biga: Mix together the ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. It’s best to set it in the warmest area of your home. It’s not going to rise much but you should see bubbling.Make the dough: Using a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, add starter and the remainder of the dough ingredients. Knead the dough until a soft, smooth dough forms. All of this can be kneaded by hand if desired.Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 45 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and punch down the dough. Place the plastic wrap back on and let rise for another 45-60 minutes.Transfer dough to a lightly greased kitchen island or counter.Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 16 inch rope.Braid the ropes, tucking both ends under, and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover with more plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise for another 90 minutes.Preheat oven to 425°F.Make the topping: Whisk the egg and water together and brush onto the braided dough. Sprinkle with sesame seeds…go heavy handed on that, you want a lot of them on there.Bake the bread for 25-35 minutes. If you want a softer outside go for the shorter time. If you want a more crunchy bread go for the longer. The internal temperature should be 190°F. Remove the bread from the oven and let cool on a rack.Serve with butter or whatever you like! NotesRecipe by Sweet Recipeas. Did you make this recipe? We want to see it! Tag @redstaryeast and use hashtag #redstaryeast
