Squash Braid

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

1 loaf

Updated: Sep. 12, 2022
THIS should be called "You Can't Have Just One Slice Bread." My friend gave me this recipe when I first started making bread. It's golden on the outside and the inside - beautiful and colorful besides being so delicious. I love to bake it in the fall. It blends in with every menu that includes the produce of that season. -Amy Martin, Waddell, Arizona

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1 cup mashed cooked butternut squash
  • 1/3 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • GLAZE:
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. In a bowl, combine squash, milk, butter, egg, brown sugar and salt; mix well. Add yeast mixture and 1-1/2 cups flour; mix well. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Divide into thirds; roll each third into a 18-in. rope. Place on a greased baking sheet. Braid ropes together; pinch ends. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Combine glaze ingredients; brush over braid. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 140 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.