How To Make Hungarian Braided Bread
Today we are feasting with… Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
To celebrate this feast day, we are making Hungarian Braided Bread, a rich, yeasty white bread, plaited, and topped with poppy seeds.
For more information about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, please visit the website of Franciscan Media. You can also listen to this short audio clip to learn more about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary’s feast day is November 17, and she is the patron saint of bakers, beggars, brides, charities, the death of children, the homeless, hospitals, Sisters of Mercy, and widows. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us!
Download Hungarian Braided Bread Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- 1 ¾ cups Warm Milk (110°F)
- 1 Egg
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 5 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg, beaten (for Egg Wash)
- 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seed, optional
Preparation Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the warm milk. Let rest until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, with a dough hook attachment, mix the egg, yolks, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture.
- Continue to mix on low speed to incorporate the yeast. Add 3 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining flour ½ cup at a time, mixing after each addition. When the dough has fully incorporated, turn the mixer to medium and allow to knead approximately 5-8 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut into 2 equal parts. Form two long loaves. Let rest for 20 minutes.
- After resting, divide each loaf in half and roll into 4 long ropes for braiding.
- Connect the top of the 4 ends together. Braid. End by bringing the bottom ends together and turning them underneath.
- Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet, and cover with a towel until doubled in size, about 40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Brush the risen loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seed, if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F, and continue to bake an additional 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.