Braided bread always looks impressive, but Joanna Gaines makes it approachable for anyone.
The dough is soft, slightly sweet, and bakes up beautifully golden. Too much doughy yum!
I always give the dough enough time to rise properly. Rushing this step will change the texture, and it’s worth waiting for that perfect pillowy feel.
One trick I never skip is brushing the braid with an egg wash before baking. It gives it that deep golden color and a slightly glossy finish.
If you’re new to braiding bread, start with three strands. It’s the easiest to work with, and once you get the hang of it, you can try more intricate designs.
What else I love? It’s just as good the next day, lightly toasted with a little butter or jam.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Braided Bread
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Warm Water
- 1 packet Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1/4 cup Sugar (additional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Canola Oil
- 2 large Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Let it stand until foamy, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, add 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and the remaining sugar.
Attach the dough hook, turn the mixer on low, and slowly add the yeast mixture, canola oil, and eggs.
Step 3:
Mix the ingredients until the dough is smooth and elastic, which should take about 8 minutes.
If needed, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides.
Step 4:
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1 hour.
Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Step 5:
Divide the dough into three equal parts, roll each into a 16-inch rope, and braid them together.
Place onto a greased baking sheet and let rise for another 20 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Yeast
Always check the expiration date on your yeast package, and store it in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.
Fresh yeast will help your bread rise beautifully and enhance the texture of the loaf.
Find a Warm Location
To help the dough rise effectively, find a consistently warm, draft-free area in your kitchen for the resting periods.
I often use my oven with just the oven light on to create a perfect environment.
Knead Well
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten structure in your dough.
Set aside enough time for this step, and don’t be afraid to knead for the full 8 minutes.
Eggwash for Shine
Right before baking, brush your loaf with an egg wash for a glossy finish.
This technique will give your bread a bakery-style appearance and an appetizing shine.
Storing Your Bread
If you’re not eating the loaf immediately, wrap it in aluminum foil and store it at room temperature.
Try to consume it within two days for the best taste and texture!
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Braided Bread Recipe
Salted Butter
When serving Joanna Gaines’ braided bread, you can’t go wrong with a classic choice like a spread of salted butter.
The rich flavor of butter enhances the taste of this delicious bread, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Slice the bread and serve it with a small dish of butter on the side.
Soft Scrambled Eggs
Pair the bread with soft scrambled eggs for a comforting breakfast option.
The creamy texture of the eggs pairs wonderfully with the fluffy crumb of the braided bread.
A sprinkle of chives or cheese on the eggs adds an extra touch of flavor.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
For a something unique, try serving the bread with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Spread a layer of cream cheese on the bread, and top with thin slices of smoked salmon.
A squeeze of lemon provides a refreshing burst of acidity.
Roasted Red Pepper Spread
Another great addition is a roasted red pepper spread, which adds a bold, contrasting taste.
The smoky, sweet flavor of the red peppers complements the subtle sweetness of the bread.
You can make this spread at home or find it at most grocery stores.
Mediterranean Olive Tapenade
This flavorful mix of olives, capers, and herbs provides a savory contrast to the bread.
The robust flavors make each slice more interesting and flavorful.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Flours
Experiment with different flours to change the texture and flavor of your braided bread.
You could try whole wheat flour for a denser loaf or spelt flour for its nutty taste.
Each type of flour will bring something special to your recipe.
Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with almond or oat milk.
These alternatives will still provide a rich texture without using regular milk.
Don’t forget to use a plant-based margarine instead of butter to keep it dairy-free!
Adding Spices and Herbs
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices or herbs to your dough.
Consider incorporating rosemary, thyme, or even a hint of cinnamon.
These additions can create a unique and aromatic loaf each time you bake.
Sweet and Savory Twists
For a sweet twist, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to your dough.
If you prefer savory, introduce a bit of garlic powder or grated cheese.
These subtle changes can make your braided bread a versatile treat.
By making these simple adjustments, you can reinvent Joanna Gaines’ braided bread to suit your tastes and dietary preferences!
How to Store Leftover Braided Bread
You want to make sure your leftover braided bread stays fresh and tasty!
Here are some tips to help you out:
Cool Completely Before Storing
Before you store your leftover braided bread, allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
If you store it while it’s warm, condensation can form, which may lead to soggy bread.
Once it’s cool, you can start preparing it for storage.
Use Sealed Containers or Bags
Place your cooled bread in an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent it from drying out.
Removing as much air as possible from the storage container will help keep your bread from going stale too quickly.
Store the sealed container or bag at room temperature.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you need to store your leftover braided bread for a longer time, freezing is a great option!
Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily grab a slice or two whenever you want.
Wrap the sliced bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Yeast Activation
Don’t rush the process when activating the yeast.
You need to allow enough time for the yeast to become foamy.
Five minutes should generally be sufficient for this step.
Ignoring Egg Wash for the Crust
An egg wash is crucial for a well-textured crust.
Skipping this step can result in a dry and hard exterior.
Try using a pastry brush to apply a thin layer to the dough.
Forgetting to Cover During Proofing
Always cover the dough while it’s proofing.
You should use a damp cloth to avoid a crust from forming too early.
This keeps the dough soft and helps it rise properly.
Joanna Gaines Braided Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Warm Water
- 1 packet Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1/4 cup Sugar additional
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Canola Oil
- 2 large Eggs
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Let it stand until foamy, which should take about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, add 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and the remaining sugar.
- Attach the dough hook, turn the mixer on low, and slowly add the yeast mixture, canola oil, and eggs.
- Mix the ingredients until the dough is smooth and elastic, which should take about 8 minutes.
- If needed, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts, roll each into a 16-inch rope, and braid them together.
- Place onto a greased baking sheet and let rise for another 20 minutes.