Braided Polish Egg Loaf

1. 1

   Dissolve the yeast in 1 cup lukewarm water in a bowl. Let it sit until the yeast softens and forms a creamy foam, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add the remaining 1 cup lukewarm water, the butter, and 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt; stir until the butter melts. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.

3. 3

   Let the milk mixture cool until lukewarm, then stir in the dissolved yeast mixture.

4. 4

   Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until blended; whisk in the milk mixture, then gradually mix in the flour.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a floured work surface; divide it in half using a serrated knife. Shape each half into a ball; place the dough balls into 2 large greased bowls. Cover with greased plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours.

6. 6

   Lightly grease 3 baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Turn the dough balls out onto a well-floured surface. Divide each dough ball into 3 equal pieces (6 pieces total); shape each piece into a ball. (The dough will be very sticky and soft at this stage.) Keep covered with greased plastic wrap.

7. 7

   Working with one ball at a time, divide 1 dough ball into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 3 ropes; braid them together and place on half of 1 prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 5 dough balls. You should be able to fit 2 braided loaves per baking sheet. Cover the loaves loosely with plastic wrap; let rise for about 1 hour.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven until the tops of the loaves sound hollow when tapped, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool before slicing.

• Calories 415.85 kcal High
• Protein 13.34 g Good Source
• Carbs 66.63 g Moderate
• Total Fat 9.18 g Moderate
• Saturated Fat 5.32 g High
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 79.92 mg High
• Sodium 68.26 mg Low Source
• Fiber 2.61 g Low Source
• Sugar 12.24 g High
• Added Sugar 10.71 g High
• Calcium 35.06 mg Low Source
• Iron 2.93 mg Moderate
• Potassium 43.25 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 43.39 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 1.32 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten