Braided Garlic Basil Bread
This braided garlic basil bread recipe requires some time and skill, although the result will be well worth the effort. Seriously, it’s the kind of bread that, when you place it on the table, will make your family (or guests) sit up and take notice.
Also, I can guarantee there won’t be any leftovers.
Make sure you give yourself an hour for the dough to rise as well as the time needed to shape the dough into the intricate braid you see in the images below. You don’t want to run out of time and hurry this one along. Preparing a special dish like this braided garlic bread is also a way to show hospitality.
Ingredients for Braided Garlic Basil Bread:
Just a few ingredients
How to Make the Braided Garlic Basil Bread:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes or until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture.
Gradually add buttermilk and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until a dough forms.
3. After transferring the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it for 3-5 minutes or until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Next, take the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Give it some time to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it expands and doubles in size.
4. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it back to the floured surface. Put aside a small portion of the dough; it will be needed to make a braid later. Using a rolling pin, roll the large portion of dough into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a separate bowl, blend the remaining butter with chopped garlic and finely diced basil.
7. Spread this flavourful mixture onto the dough using a fork or knife, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Roll the dough into a log shape.
8. Begin by dividing the log of dough into two equal parts and skilfully intertwine them, similar to the pattern depicted in the picture. Next, shape the resulting braided dough into a coil resembling a graceful snake.
9. For added flair, switch directions with the other end of the dough rope, creating an eye-catching twist.
10. Finally, take the small remaining portion of dough and carefully divide it into three slender ropes. Intertwine these ropes together in a beautiful braid, creating a seamless finish.
11. Complete the braided garlic basil bread by placing the braid on top of the bread, accentuating its visual appeal.
12. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. Remove the braided garlic basil bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Braided Garlic Basil Bread!
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Braided Garlic Basil Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 tbsp butter
- ½ tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp fresh basil
- ½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes or until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually add buttermilk and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- After transferring the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it for 3-5 minutes or until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Next, take the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Give it some time to rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until it expands and doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it back to the floured surface. Put aside a small portion of the dough; it will be needed to make a braid later. Using a rolling pin, roll the large portion of dough into a 16×10-inch rectangle.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, blend the remaining butter with chopped garlic and finely diced basil. Spread this flavourful mixture onto the dough using a fork or knife, ensuring it covers the surface evenly. Roll the dough into a log shape.
- Begin by dividing the log of dough into two equal parts and skilfully intertwine them, similar to the pattern depicted in the picture. Next, shape the resulting braided dough into a coil resembling a graceful snake.
- For added flair, switch directions with the other end of the dough rope, creating an eye-catching twist.
- Finally, take the small remaining portion of dough and carefully divide it into three slender ropes. Intertwine these ropes together in a beautiful braid, creating a seamless finish.
- Complete by placing the braid on top of the bread, accentuating its visual appeal.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350 F. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
Enjoy your braided garlic basil bread!
