How to braid a three strand loaf

The third strand is the charm, right? Learn how to braid a gorgeous three-strand loaf by following along with our step-by-step video. Get expert tips on pinching and finishing your braid, and see how the finished dough should look.


Instructions: For method 1: Start from the top. Pinch the ends together and cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over what's now the middle strand. Repeat until you reach the end of the dough, then twist the ends together and pinch.

For method 2: For a more reliably even braid, start braiding in the middle. Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over what's now the middle strand. Repeat until you get to one end, pinching the strands together. Carefully flip the braid over so the bottom is now on the top, and braid the other side, again starting from the center.

Leave your comments, questions, and thoughts below – we want to hear from you! Our Baker’s Hotline is here to help.

[rb]

It would be helpful to do it from the viewer's POV rather than upside-down. Otherwise very good.

[lilbean]

Can you do this to white bread? Or do I need to make a certain dough

[davedaddy]

Umm. Hmmm. I’ll have to watch this in slow motion several times to get it.

[katerinalove]

My braided bread looks great until gets baked. It often seems to separate and doesn't get that pretty braid look after baking. It also gets a little deformed. What am I doing wrong?

[NoWhereToRun]

I wonder if I can boil braided dough like a bagel before baking it

[artbarn]

Help! I make the King Arthur Italian Bread 101 and I always have trouble with the braiding. I roll out the dough into 3 long strands but they keep springing back to short fat ones. My braid then spreads outward instead of rising up. My final result is delicious, but it's not tall enough.

[SnobbyHeights]

This goes way too fast. It made me so frustrated that I gave up on the 6 strand