Easter Braided Bread Recipe

This is a fun, easy and beautiful Easter braided bread recipe!

This braided Easter bread is always a hit with the colored eggs baked right into the bread itself. If you do not want to use colored eggs, you may consider using white and brown eggs for a more natural look - see the pictures below, all the eggs are natural eggs, even the blue ones!

If you are familiar with yeast breads, you will have no trouble making this bread. If not, I'll help you along okay? You'll see, it is simple.

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Easter Braided Bread: Ingredients

1/4 cup warm water

2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour - divided

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2/3 cup milk - warmed to 105 degrees F.

4 tablespoons butter - softened

2 large eggs

5 FRESH (not cooked) dyed eggs - or natural eggs

Note: To make your own egg dye Click Here.

1 tablespoon orange water - optional

Some oil

Braided Easter Bread: Method

I would recommend using a stand mixer - or even the dough setting of a bread machine - as this makes this process so much easier!

In your stand mixer bowl, place the warm water and the yeast. Wait 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy - or bubbly - looking.

To the water/yeast mixture add the sugar, 2 1/2 cups of flour, milk, orange water, salt, butter and orange water. Turn the machine on. If you are making your dough by hand, mix with a wooden spoon. Then add the eggs, one by one. If your dough sticks to the side of the bowl, add some flour a little at a time.

If you are making your dough by hand, turn it onto a floured surface and knead it, adding more flour as necessary until you have a soft and pliable dough. When this occurs, place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Place a clean kitchen towel on top and place your bowl in a warm place to rise.

If you are making your dough by machine, when it is done kneading follow the same instructions as for making it by hand.

You will need to wait until your dough doubles in size - this will take from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Punch the dough down and turn onto a floured surface.

Divide in two and make two ropes about 18 to 24 inches long.

Make a sort of loose two strand braid. Place an egg in each "hole." Place on a greased cookie sheet and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Before baking you can choose to lightly brush some melted butter on top of your bread. Bake your braided Easter bread at 350 degrees for 18 to 25 minutes.