How to shape a plaited loaf

A plaited loaf looks impressive but can be tricky to do. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can be used for any bread dough.

  1. Start with 3 equal lengths of dough. Put 2 lengths parallel to each other. Thread the third one across the middle of them, under the left-hand piece and over the right-hand piece.

  2. Lift the strand on the right over the one next to it, then take the left-hand end of the horizontal strand and lift it over the piece next to it.

  3. Continue plaiting right over the middle, then left over the middle until you reach the end. Repeat to plait the other end.

  4. Tuck the ends of the strands under the plait to neaten.

See more bread recipes and how to make a cinnamon plait here