Braided Breadlooks just as beautiful as it tastes. It is flavored with honey and has the most perfect texture from the bulgur which is It is full of vitamins, minerals, lots of fiber, and will give you energy to do anything you have set out to do.

4 loaves of bread bread on a dark wood cutting board, one wrapped in a black and white checkered cloth.

Have you ever heard of bulgar wheat?! Well, if you haven’t it is your lucky day. Bulgar is a type of whole grain that has been cracked, cleaned, steamed, dried and then ground into different sizes. Plus, it gives bread a fabulous texture. I use Bob’s Red Mill brand that can be found in the specialty flour aisle of most grocery stores.

Braided bread is such a lovely bread to serve with soups such as myvegetable souporchicken pesto pasta. It’s also amazing served along a casserole liketomato sauce-y cabbage rolls. The braided aspect just takes this bread over the top! It is also so fun for kids to help in the kitchen and braid the dough.

sliced bread with butter on a dark wood cutting board.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Combines whole wheat flour and bulgur, providing a high-fiber, that’s perfect to go along with a cozy bowl ofchicken soup.
There’s nothing like the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread.
The braided loaves not only look impressive but also make for a stunning centerpiece at any meal.
This bread is delicious on its own, with a spread ofbutter, dipped intomato soup, or as a base forsandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Recipe Ingredients

Bulgur– I used Bob’s Red Mill brand
Flour– I used both whole wheat and bread flour
Honey
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Shortening– Or softened butter

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Cracked Wheat Braided Bread

Step 1.Combine warm water, honey, bulgur, and whole wheat flour in a stand mixer. Let dough rise .

Step 2.Add remaining ingredients and knead with dough hook until smooth. Cover and let rise until dough has doubled.

Step 3.Turn dough onto floured surface, divide, and braid as desired.

Step 4.Let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 400°F. Brush with melted butter after baking.

Recipe FAQs

Can any bread be braided?

You can make braid almost any types of bread dough. Experiment with it- the result is so beautiful.

Why does my braided bread split?

If you find that your braided bread is splitting, you most likely need to braid the dough tighter. After some practice you will be a pro bread braider.

How do you keep homemade bread fresh?

The best way to ensure that your bread stays fresh is to wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or an airtight bag. Homemade bread will stay fresh this way for 3-5 days.

Is bulgur wheat healthy?

Bulgur wheat has many health benefits. It is full of fiber, magnesium, and iron. It is minimally processed making it able to maintain the nutritional value more than other wheats.

three small loaves of bread whole wheat bread wrapped in a black and white checked towel.

Expert Tips

Ensure thewater is warm(about 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot or too cold can affect the rise.
Allow the bulgur to soak in the warm water and honey mixture for thefull 40 minutesto achieve the right texture for the bread.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for at least 10 minutes to properly develop the gluten, ensuring asmooth and elastic dough
Whole grain doughs take longer to rise.Be patientand allow the dough to double in size for the best texture
Brush the tops of the baked loaves withmelted butter immediatelyafter they come out of the oven for a rich, golden finish and extra flavor.

bag of bob's red mill red bulgur which is cracked wheat.

How to Serve and Store Cracked Wheat Braided Bread

This bread could be served with a wide array of soups and pastas such asturkey soup,cream of mushroom soup,pasta puttanesca, orcheesy sausage pasta. It also goes great by itself with just somebutterand honey or a fruit jam.

The best way to ensure that your bread stays fresh is to wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or an airtight bag. Homemade bread will stay fresh this way for 3-5 days.