St Joseph's Day Bread

Celebrate tradition with St. Joseph’s Day Bread, a beautifully braided loaf that’s as meaningful as it is delicious. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and eggs, this Italian-style bread boasts a soft, tender crumb with a hint of sweetness. Its golden crust is brushed with a rich egg wash, adorned with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a nutty finish that’s irresistibly fragrant. Perfectly braided into a circle or loaf shape, this bread symbolizes abundance and gratitude, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings or family meals. With straightforward instructions and just 30 minutes of active prep time, it’s approachable for home bakers seeking to honor culinary traditions while savoring homemade goodness. Slice it for breakfast, serve it alongside hearty soups, or enjoy it as a standalone treat—the versatility of St. Joseph’s Day Bread will win you over.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 1.25 cups Warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
• 0.25 cups Olive oil
• 3 whole Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Milk (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Step 3

Add two of the eggs to the bowl and mix the dough using a wooden spoon or your hands until it begins to come together.

Step 4

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, approximately 18 inches in length.

Step 7

Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal, and form the braid into a circle or a simple loaf shape. Transfer the braided dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8

Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

Lightly beat the remaining egg with the 2 tablespoons of milk. Using a pastry brush, coat the surface of the dough with the egg wash. Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the top.

Step 11

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1155.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3017.6

Total Fat 86.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.4g
Cholesterol 562mg	0%
Sodium 2618.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 470.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.0g	0%
Total Sugars 53.8g
Protein 81.6g	0%

Vitamin D 143IU	0%
Calcium 269.7mg	0%
Iron 29.3mg	0%
Potassium 1089.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.1%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 62.9%