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Lana Mihajlović posted an update
Level:
Sous Chef
#BreadChallenge – Easter Braided Bread (Uskršnja pogača)
This bread comes from a tradition I grew up with – a festive, enriched dough prepared for Easter, where technique meets symbolism. The braided structure represents continuity, while the egg in the center marks renewal.
But beyond tradition, this was an exercise in control.
Flour
White wheat flour (T-500), chosen for its balance – strong enough to build structure, soft enough to keep the crumb tender.Dough type
Enriched dough (milk, eggs, fat), which naturally slows fermentation and requires more attention to timing and temperature.Kneading technique
Combined method – initial mixing until incorporation, followed by medium-intensity kneading to develop gluten without over-tightening the dough. Final texture: soft, elastic, slightly tacky.Fermentation
Direct fermentation.
First rise: ~1.5–2 hours at room temperature, until doubled.
Second rise (after shaping): shorter and controlled, to preserve definition in the braid.Shaping
The dough was divided and rolled into strands, then braided and formed into a ring. The key here is tension – too loose and it loses form, too tight and it restricts oven spring.Baking
Egg wash for color and shine, sesame for texture.
Baked in a static oven at moderate temperature to ensure even cooking without over-browning due to sugar and fat content.Result
Soft, structured crumb with fine, even strands.
Thin crust, glossy finish, balanced richness – not heavy, but clearly enriched.Reflection
This type of bread looks decorative, but the real challenge is managing fermentation in a rich dough and maintaining structure through shaping and baking.
Mercedes Minaya Palacios, jaddygonzalez and 4 others14 Comments-
Espectacular 👏
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Level:
Sous Chef
@oscar-j-gonzalez-hernandez Thank you Oscar
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Level:
Executive Chef
Qué alegría volver a ver tus maravillosas recetas. Ese pan trenzado es lo más bonito que he visto hoy. Se nota la dedicación y el esmero que has puesto en su elaboración. Es espectacular y no puedo imaginar su sabor. El dorado y esa miga me dice que está delicioso. Felicidades 👏👏👏
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Level:
Sous Chef
@loles-mhotmail-com Thank you dear ♥️
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So… when are you inviting us to try this lovely bread? It looks amazing, and I bet it tastes even better! Congrats!
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Level:
Sous Chef
@edgargr360 Thank you. You are always welcome 🤗
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Beautiful
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Level:
Sous Chef
@jaddygonzalez Thank you ♥️
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Level:
Executive Chef
Me impresiona l9 bonito que te ha quedado
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Level:
Sous Chef
@mercedesminayapalaciosgmail-com Thank you dear ♥️
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Beautiful bread!! Really wish I could have a bite! 🙂
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Level:
Sous Chef
@rekahorvathr-e2c3b8 Thank you ♥️
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Level:
Scoolinary Team
How lovely to see you back in a challenge, Lana 💛 This Easter braided bread carries both tradition and technique so beautifully.
The shaping is clean, the shine is gorgeous, and the crumb looks soft yet structured, not easy with enriched dough. I also love how you explained the symbolism behind the braid and the egg.
Do you make this pogača every Easter, or was this version a more personal reinterpretation?
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Level:
Sous Chef
@soldamiani Thank you dear. We make this bread every Easter, but we often make it throughout the year, just without the egg. I especially like the creative expression because it can be decorated in various ways. Definitely one of my favorite breads 😊
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