How to Make Challah Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a bread lover, then you've probably heard of or tasted Challah bread. This traditional Jewish bread is known for its soft and slightly sweet flavor, along with its beautiful braided shape. Challah bread is commonly enjoyed during Jewish holidays and ceremonial occasions, but its delicious taste and versatility make it a popular choice for any day of the week.

One of the most recognizable features of Challah bread is its braided design. The braids not only add a decorative el...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • ½ cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 30
  • Yield: 2 braided loaves

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Pour warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle yeast over water. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
  • Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs, and salt. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition until dough has pulled together.
  • Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat.
  • Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 ½ hours.
  • Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and knead each half for 5 minutes or so, adding flour as needed to keep it from getting sticky.
  • Divide each half into thirds and roll into a long snake about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
  • Pinch the ends of the three snakes together firmly and braid from middle. Either leave as a braid or form into a round braided loaf by bringing ends together, curving the braid into a circle, and pinching ends together.
  • Grease two baking trays and place the finished braid or round on each. Cover with a towel and let rise for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid; sprinkle with poppy seeds.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing.
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    165 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 19mg
    • Sodium: 241mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 5g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Calcium: 13mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 56mg

    Categories

    Sweet bread recipes