Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread
A sweet, yeasted bread shaped like a cross, infused with zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup, warm milk
- 1 large eggs
- 1/2 cup, melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center and add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Shape each into a rectangle, then fold the short ends toward the center to form a cross shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle poppy seeds over the top. Serve warm with butter or preserves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon and Poppy Seed Cross Bread?
French quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
