Challah bread emerges from the oven like a warm embrace, its glossy braid glowing with golden perfection. Each soft, pillowy slice melts on your tongue, subtly sweetened with honey and touched with vanilla. Warmed almond milk whisked with apple cider vinegar lifts the dough into a light, airy crumb, while every playful twist invites family and friends to linger in a cozy kitchen. Finished with a dairy-free wash and a scattering of sesame seeds, this challah bread becomes the star of toasts, bread puddings, or simply enjoyed warm, piece by irresistible piece.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This challah bread
- It’s incredibly soft and fluffy, making every bite a delight.
- The beautiful braid adds a touch of elegance to your table.
- Perfect for any occasion, from Shabbat to family gatherings.
- It’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Enjoy the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes.
challah bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix them well to ensure even distribution.
- Whisk eggs and oil together in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Enjoy the process; it’s a great workout!
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key!
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into strands, braid them together, and place the braided loaf on a baking sheet.
- Let the braided loaf rise for another 30–45 minutes. This will make it even fluffier!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake the challah bread for 25–30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade challah bread!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 24g |
Ingredients
Get ready to bake the perfect challah bread with these simple ingredients!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – for a soft and chewy texture
- 1/4 cup sugar – adds sweetness to the bread
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – helps the bread rise
- 1 tsp salt – enhances flavor
- 1 cup warm water – activates the yeast
- 2 large eggs – for richness and color
- 1 egg for egg wash – gives a beautiful golden finish
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist
How to Make Challah Bread
This delightful challah bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 25–30 minutes, and a resting time of 1.5 hours, you’ll have a beautiful, fluffy loaf to enjoy!
Step 1: Dissolve Yeast
In a bowl, dissolve yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix them well to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk eggs and oil together in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the yeast mixture.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Enjoy the process; it’s a great workout!
Step 5: Let It Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key!
Step 6: Shape the Loaf
Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into strands, braid them together, and place the braided loaf on a baking sheet.
Step 7: Second Rise
Let the braided loaf rise for another 30–45 minutes. This will make it even fluffier!
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the challah bread for 25–30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade challah bread!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Bread / Breakfast |
| Cuisine | Jewish |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 90 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 140 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Freshly baked and warm! |
Pro Tips for Making challah bread
- Use high-quality bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Don’t rush the braiding; take your time for a beautiful finish.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Experiment with toppings like sesame or poppy seeds for added flavor.
How to Serve this challah bread
- Enjoy it warm with a spread of creamy butter or vegan margarine.
- Slice it for delicious French toast topped with fresh berries and maple syrup.
- Use it for a delightful sandwich filled with your favorite deli meats or veggies.
- Pair it with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
- Toast slices and top with avocado, salt, and pepper for a trendy snack.
- Serve it alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing brunch option.
- Make mini challah rolls for sliders at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store your challah bread for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the bread to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled challah tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best quality, slice before freezing for easy use.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen challah in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- For individual slices, use a toaster or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture while reheating.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What makes challah different from bread?
Challah is a special type of bread that is often braided and has a slightly sweet flavor due to the addition of sugar and eggs. Unlike regular bread, which may be made with just flour, water, and yeast, challah incorporates eggs and sometimes honey, giving it a rich texture and a beautiful golden color. This makes it a unique and festive bread, often enjoyed during Jewish holidays and celebrations.
2. What does challah taste like?
Challah has a delightful, slightly sweet flavor with a soft and fluffy texture. The eggs in the dough contribute to its richness, while the sugar adds a hint of sweetness. When baked, it develops a beautiful golden crust that contrasts with its tender interior, making it perfect for both savory and sweet dishes, whether enjoyed plain, with butter, or as French toast.
3. What’s the difference between challah and brioche?
While both challah and brioche are enriched breads made with eggs and butter, the key difference lies in their ingredients and preparation. Challah is traditionally made without dairy, making it suitable for those observing kosher dietary laws, while brioche contains butter and milk, giving it a richer flavor. Additionally, challah is often braided, while brioche is typically shaped into loaves or rolls.
4. Can non-Jews eat challah?
Absolutely! Challah is a delicious bread that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their background. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, and its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite for many. Whether you’re enjoying it during a holiday meal or simply as a tasty treat, challah is a wonderful addition to any table.
Final Thoughts
Making challah bread is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories! The soft, fluffy texture and beautiful braid will bring joy to your table. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to share this delightful treat!