A Number-One Egg Bread

Ingredients

• 2 packages active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 0.67 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 6 large egg yolks
• 4 large eggs , at room temperature, divided
• 0.5 cups vegetable oil
• 0.25 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour , divided
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in egg yolks, 3 whole eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Mix in 3 ½ cups of flour to make a sticky dough.

4. 4

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with remaining 1 cup flour until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes.

5. 5

   Transfer dough to a well-oiled bowl and turn until entire surface is coated with oil.

6. 6

   Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 ½ hours.

7. 7

   Punch down the dough and divide into thirds. Roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch long rope.

8. 8

   Braid the three strands together and seal the ends.

9. 9

   Transfer dough to a greased cookie sheet. Whisk remaining egg with a pinch of salt; brush on top and sides of bread. Set egg wash aside.

10. 10

    Let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.

11. 11

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush bread again with egg wash.

12. 12

    Bake bread in the preheated oven until golden, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.