Sesame Wheat Braids

Name: Sesame Wheat Braids
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 2-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon salt; 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

When I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much I was baking every day. I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids a blue ribbon and best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon salt
5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Stir in whole wheat flour; let stand until the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and water. Remove 2 tablespoons to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Add remaining egg mixture and salt to batter; mix until smooth. Add 4 cups all-purpose flour and beat until smooth. 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 and divide in half. Divide each half into thirds.
Shape each into a rope about 15 in. long. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch each end firmly and tuck under.
Repeat, placing second braid on the same baking sheet. Brush braids with the reserved egg mixture; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 102 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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Reviews

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Average Rating:

Julia

Mar 11, 2020

Very delicious bread! It has a good texture, nice flavour and a lovely crunch. I'll definitely be making this bread more!
Lois

Jan 6, 2020

This braided bread is easy to prepare and, with only two risings, is relatively quick. Using either white whole wheat (rather than traditional whole wheat) or only all purpose flour the bread has a tender crumb, thin soft crust, and pleasant flavor. I would like to point out Honna that there are challahs that are not braided (such as the round challahs used on Rosh Hashanah and other holy days and braided breads that are not challahs (Italian scali bread, St. Lucia loaf, and a number of coffee cakes).
stcloud52

Aug 11, 2019

Hilla, you can call it what you want, but other cultures can call it a braid. I am really surprised that you found yourself soo offended.
HONNA

Jan 30, 2019

ITS A CHALLAH, not a Braid! it is disgusting to steal a real centuries old recipe and call it something it is not. Challah is the bread we, Jews, bake for every Shabbat, before and after Passover (Pesah), when the livened bread is prohibited for consumption. I am insulted and offended by that hypocritical bane "braid". its a CHALLAH! enjoy yes, it is delicious
rae777

Dec 16, 2018

Absolutely delicious! My husband and I couldn't wait for it to cool and just tore pieces off! I will make this one of my go to bread recipes.
Henry T

Dec 5, 2018

Halved this recipe and adapted to my Zojirushi BB PAC 20 bread machine. First time I braided bread. Turned out great and my family ate it in two days. Had to bake another this time with poppy seeds.
Tri

Oct 18, 2018

I make small alterations, walnut oil not canola and only 1 tablespoons of sugar. I have made this multiple times. It is very good.
LauraShoe

Jan 5, 2015

I have been making this bread for several years. I can't believe I haven't submitted a review. This is a fantastic loaf of bread. The flavor and texture is so delicious. I actually made these for a baked good auction fundraiser and both loaves went for over $40.00. Well worth it!
marteldann

Sep 24, 2014

Really nice looking bread. I use 1/4 cup honey instead of the sugar and then reduce the water to just two cups. I find the honey keeps the bread from drying out too fast. Sometimes I use a "seven seed crust" topping instead of just sesame seeds.
nblibrary

Aug 20, 2013

I make this bread often. Sometimes instead of sesame seeds I top the bread with swedish pearl sugar (a special kind of sugar for baking that doesn't burn) and it turns out great that way too.