Add water, yeast and honey to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
1 cup warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon honey
Let mixture rest for 5 minutes until bubbly
Add one cup of flour, oil and salt. Mix well.
2 ¼ cups flour, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon salt
Continue adding flour ¼ cup at a time until dough comes together and forms a ball. The dough should be tacky, but not sticky. You might not use all the flour called for.
Knead in mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5-7 minutes
Form dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Allow dough to double in size - 1 ½ - 2 hours
Gently deflate dough and form into three strands
Braid dough and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or is lightly greased. Cover with plastic wrap that has been sprayed lightly with a nonstick spray.
Allow loaf to double in size - 30-45 minutes
Glaze
Mix egg white and water together. Brush on loaf.
1 egg white, 1 tablespoon water
Sprinkle on sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes
Allow bread to fully cool on a baking rack before slicing
Slice bread into 12 slices
Notes
Detailed braiding instructions are included in the post above the recipe card.
Try to keep the strands as evenly sized as possible
If the strands shrink after rolling, just let them rest for 1-2 minutes and reroll
When braiding, keep the strands fairly loose. If you braid too tightly, the loaf will become uneven as it bakes.
The egg wash helps the bread turn a lovely golden color. You could also use oil or melted butter if you prefer.
Sesame seeds are optional. Other options include poppy seeds, chia seeds, everything bagel spice or leaving plain.
Bread is best if it is fully cooled before slicing