Braided Almond Herb Bread Recipes

BRAIDED GARDEN HERB BREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar.
• Then, add in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and frothy.
• Next, in a large bowl, combine the salt, all the seasonings, ¼ cup of melted butter, and the water. Stir to combine.
• Then, add the milk/yeast mixture to the bowl of seasonings.
• Proceed to mix in the flour 1 cup at a time and mix together well.
• After that, add in the egg and then mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Now it is time to knead the dough. You can do this using a mixer on medium speed for 7 minutes or by hand until the dough is elastic and smooth.
• Then, cover and let the dough rest in a warm area for 10 minutes.
• Next, divide the dough into 3 equal sized portions.
• Then, roll each piece out into a 30inch long rope and then braid the ropes together.
• Pinch together the ends of the braided dough to seal them together.
• Place the bread loaf on a greased baking sheet and cover. Let rest until doubled in size, about 20-40minutes.
• Remove the top rack from the oven and then bake the bread at 375 F degrees for about 30-35 minutes.
• During the last 15 minutes of baking, cover the bread with foil to prevent browning.
• When the bread is finished baking, melt the remaining butter and then brush it over the top of the loaf.
• Sprinkle with any additional herbs if desired.
• Then, remove from the baking sheet and let the bread cool on a wire rack. Slice, serve and enjoy!

BRAIDED ITALIAN HERB BREAD

Steps:

• Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, basil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and rosemary in a large bowl.
• Combine milk, water, and butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in a microwave until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Pour over the flour mixture; beat until dough is just moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 3 cups flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface such as a large cutting board or countertop. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Divide dough into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15-inch rope. Transfer ropes to a greased baking sheet. Braid together. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under the braid. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush top of the braid with olive oil and sprinkle with basil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet, or remove to a wire rack.

GARLIC-HERB BRAID

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and seasonings. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water and cubed butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes., Divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet, and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes., Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaf in heavy-duty foil. To use, thaw at room temperature.

DELICIOUS ALMOND BRAIDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Place the almond paste, butter and sugar in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add egg and flour; process until smooth., Place puff pastry sheets onto a greased baking sheet. Spread half of the filling mixture down the center third of 1 pastry sheet. On each side, cut 8 strips about 3-1/2 in. into the center. Starting at 1 end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling., Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely., Combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and almond extract. Drizzle over braids; sprinkle with almonds. Cut into slices to serve.