Here is a clean, traditional, photo-free recipe for Hungarian Braided White Bread — soft, fluffy, golden, and beautifully braided. In Hungary, this bread is known as Fonott Kalács when slightly sweet, but here I’ll give you the classic savory braided white bread version (not sweet), perfect for everyday meals, sandwiches, and breakfast.
🇭🇺🥖 Hungarian Braided White Bread (Fonott Kenyér)
A beautifully braided loaf with a soft crumb and golden crust. Light, airy, and perfect for slicing — traditional in Hungarian homes and bakeries.
⭐ Ingredients
4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water or warm milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
1 egg (for the dough)
For Brushing
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
🔥 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water/milk with sugar and yeast.
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add yeast mixture, egg, and oil/butter.
Knead 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
3. Shape the Braid
Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide into three equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a long rope of equal length.
Pinch the three ropes together at the top and braid.
Tuck the ends underneath for a neat shape.
Place braid on a parchment-lined baking tray.
4. Second Rise
Let the braided loaf rise 30–40 minutes, covered.
5. Brush & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the loaf generously with egg wash for a shiny golden crust.
Bake 25–35 minutes, until the top is deep golden and bread sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool & Serve
Cool on a rack before slicing. Perfect warm with butter or for sandwiches.
💡 Tips for Perfect Hungarian Braided Bread
✔ Milk instead of water makes a softer, richer loaf. ✔ Egg wash is essential for the shiny Hungarian crust. ✔ Braid loosely — tight braids prevent rising. ✔ Add sesame or poppy seeds before baking for a traditional look.
✨ Variations
Slightly Sweet Kalács: add 2–4 tbsp sugar and brush with sweetened milk.
Sesame Crust: sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Butter Braid: brush each rope with melted butter before braiding for ultra-soft layers.
Four-Strand Braid: more decorative — I can teach you the pattern!
If you’d like, I can also give you: 🥐 Hungarian Kifli 🍯 Sweet Milk Kalács 🥚 Easter Egg Braid (Húsvéti Kalács) 🍞 Traditional Hungarian White Bread Loaf
