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Abby's French Bread Braids Recipe

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! This incredibly delicious French bread, adapted from the Pillsbury Complete Cookbook, yields two beautiful, golden-brown braids. Fluffy on the inside and with a perfectly crisp crust, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special holiday gathering.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Calories 2448.9 kcal
Protein 382g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Abby's French Bread Braids 58

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Abby's French Bread Braids

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How to Make Abby's French Bread Braids

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast. Mix well.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of warm water (105-115°F) and 1/4 cup shortening until the shortening is melted and the mixture is very warm.
  3. Add the warm water mixture to the flour mixture. Using a mixer, blend on low speed until moistened, then increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes.
  4. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 cups remaining flour until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup additional flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45-60 minutes).
  8. Grease a large baking sheet.
  9. Punch down the dough several times to remove air bubbles.
  10. Divide the dough in half, then divide each half into 3 equal pieces.
  11. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope.
  12. Braid the 3 ropes together, sealing the ends.
  13. Place the braids on the prepared baking sheet.
  14. Repeat steps 10-13 with the remaining dough.
  15. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of water and 1 egg white.
  16. Carefully brush the egg white mixture over the loaves.
  17. Cover the loaves loosely and let rise in a warm place until light and almost doubled (20-30 minutes).
  18. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  19. Uncover the loaves and brush again with the egg white mixture.
  20. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  21. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

155 g

Sugar

28g

Fat

30g

Carbs

130g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Side Dishes European French Vegetarian Holiday Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Preparation Healthy Breads Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat High Protein Healthy 2 Yeast High In Something Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less