How to make Salt and Pepper Braided Bread

This Braided bread recipe is too good to miss! With just 6 Staple Cupboard Ingredients, this rustic style loaf is so easy to make! And guaranteed to impress!

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My 12 strand Braided Bread could not be easier, It may look complicated, but I assure you it really isn’t ! Simply Dump, Knead, Proof, Braid and Bake- Just 5 steps to bread heaven!

What You’ll Need to make Salt and Pepper Braided Bread Loaf

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• Digital Kitchen Scales
• Mixing bowl
• Proving Bowl/ Oiled bowl
• Baking Tray or Griddle Pan
• Baking Paper or Baking Liner

Why You’ll Love my Salt and Pepper Braided Bread Recipe!

• Easy- Wonderfully intricate without the drama! A 12 Strand braid that isn’t all that complicated, see the pictures and video below.
• No Fancy Mixers- All thrown together in a bowl and kneaded by hand, a very basic but wholesome bake
• It’s a beauty!- And impressive, the perfect table centrepiece! It would also make a lovely housewarming gift-add some cheese and wine to a gift basket, you’ve got yourself a party!
• Delicious- It has a wonderfully soft crumb and crisp crust the perfect accompaniment for Soups, Salads, Stews, Pastas and Sandwiches.

How to make Salt and Pepper Braided Bread

(As always the full detailed recipe and video can be found at the end of the post)

Ingredients

• Strong White Bread Flour
• Quick action yeast
• Warm Water
• Water
• Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper
• Sea Salt
• 1 Beaten Egg

Instructions

• Sprinkle the Yeast on to of the warm water, set aside for 20-30 minutes to dissolve and activate
• In a large mixing bowl add the flour and Salt, mix together
• Make a well in the Centre of the flour, add the yeast mix and stir in.
• Add the water and stir until you have a Shaggy Dough
• Turn out on to a floured surface, knead for 5 minutes until smooth and stretchy ( if the dough feels too wet, add sprinkles of flour until workable)
• Work the dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl or proving bowl, cover and allow to rise for 2 hours until doubled in size
• Cut the dough into 4 pieces, then cut each piece into 3. You should end up with a total of 12 pieces of dough
• Roll each piece forming 12 long lengths

• Group them in 3’s then lay them on top of each over as the picture shows
• Fold the ends of each section onto the section beside it (See picture and video below)
• Finally, tuck the loose edges underneath itself to form a domed round loaf (see below)
• Place on a lined baking tray or in a lined skillet pan, cover and allow to puff up for 20 minutes
• Brush with beaten egg, season with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper

• Preheat the oven to 230°c
• Place a baking tin 1/3 full with water in the bottom of the oven ( the water creates a steam environment within the Oven, which makes for a Golden Crusty loaf)
• Bake for 25 minutes until the base of the loaf drums hollow

Recipe Tips

• Try to keep the strands of similar sizes
• When braiding, keep the strands fairly loose. Don’t tuck them too tightly, you will end up with an uneven baked loaf
• Don’t forget to brush with Egg, it helps create that lovely golden colour.
• For that Crisp crust remember to put the tray of water in the bottom of the oven (see recipe card at the end)
• I am always very generous with the Sea salt and Pepper seasoning, but you can use less if you prefer. You could also sprinkle on some sesame seeds too.

How Long Will a Salt and Pepper Braided Loaf Keep

Homemade Bread will keep for 3-4 days, you can extend its shelf life by 4-5 days by keeping it in the fridge.

Can you Freeze Salt and Pepper Braided Bread ?

Of course! Wrap in cling film, pop in a Freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Looking for More Bread Recipes ?

Artisan Dinner Rolls

Salt and Pepper Bread

Fougasse Bread

Caramelised Onion Focaccia Bread

Boule Loaf

Did you make this Recipe ?

If so, please leave a rating and comment, I would love to know what you thought. Did you take a picture? Great! Tag me on Instagram, I love to share your creations on my stories.