Winter Squash Braided Bread Recipe

The holidays are all about warmth, family, and of course, delicious food. This year, why not add a little homemade charm to your table with this stunning Squash Braid Bread? Trust me, it’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Growing pumpkins or winter squash can be a joy, especially when you have an abundance of them. I’ve found that using pumpkin or any orange winter squash interchangeably in this recipe works wonders. This time I used a pie pumpkin, and guess what? No one even noticed a change in flavor when I snuck it into the bread!

The bread’s golden hue is not just pretty to look at but also a sneaky way to incorporate some nutritious squash into your meal. And here’s a little secret: it takes your turkey sandwiches to a whole new level of yumminess!

Let’s get baking, shall we?

Ingredients:

1. 1/3 cup warm milk
2. 2 Tbsp warm water
3. 1 package of yeast
4. 1/4 tsp salt
5. 1 cup cooked, winter squash (pumpkin is a great substitute)
6. 3 Tbsp brown sugar
7. 1/4 cup soft butter
8. 1 egg, room temperature
9. 3 1/2 cup unbleached flour (keep a bit extra on hand, just in case)

Steps:

1. Start by proofing your yeast. Mix the milk, water, yeast, and salt. Let it sit until frothy.
2. Blend in the squash, sugar, butter, and egg.
3. Gradually add in the flour to form a soft dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface, then let the dough rise until doubled.
5. *Punch down, divide into thirds, and roll into long ropes.
6. Braid these ropes on a greased cookie sheet and let rise again.
7. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. Brush with egg white before baking for a glossy finish.

Voilà! Your Squash Braid Bread is ready to grace your holiday table. It’s not just bread; it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and most importantly, a testament to the love and care you put into your cooking.

*SUPER TIP: This recipe works perfectly using a bread machine on the dough setting. Once the dough finishes, continue the recipe from STEP 5.