Challah Bread is a braided sweet bread with a gorgeous golden brown crust and a soft, tender interior. Each soft, pillowy bite glistens with a honey-coated crust. Perfect for the holidays or an everyday treat. And it’s easy too!
Challa bread is certainly a masterpiece, from beautifully woven dough to its soft and pillowy bite. It is one of those bread that is pretty to look at and as delicious as its looks. See how inviting it is? Aah! Such a stunner, indeed!
And before you say, “Naaah! It’s too complicated to make.” As long as you have a stand mixer, you’ll be fine. Sit back, relax, and let the mixer do the job. Or you can knead it by hand and enjoy the little arm workout. 💪 I swear, you’ll enjoy the braiding part. 😉
What Is Challah Bread?
I’m all for celebrating. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and they know how to enjoy good food. But because the Jewish calendar is lunar instead of solar, like most of us are used to, it falls on a different date every year. However, it’s sometime in September.
Just like other New Year celebrations, there are certain traditions. For example, apples dipped in honey, pomegranates for a fruitful year, and a whole fish (head included). But my all-time favorite is the challah bread.
Recipe Ingredients
- Water – Room temperature or lukewarm-warm water will be most helpful to proof the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast is an essential leavening agent in making bread because it makes it soft and light.
- Unsalted Butter – The rich buttery flavor enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Eggs – It binds the dough, gives moisture, and provides elasticity, making the bread soft and slightly chewy.
- Flour – The main bread ingredient is the base upon which all other ingredients rest. Yes, you can use an all-purpose gluten-free bread mixture.
- Egg Wash – Egg yolks and cream (or milk) on top make a nice golden brown color and shiny finish.
How to Make Challah Bread
Make the Challah Dough
- Proof – Combine lukewarm water and yeast and let it sit until dissolved (about 5 minutes). You may do so in a standing mixer if using any.
- Combine – Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe medium bowl, melt butter chunks, sugar, and salt in the microwave for about a minute. Stir until everything melts, until warm, not hot. Let the mixture cool slightly if it gets too hot because you don’t want it to kill your yeast or curdle your egg. Dump everything into the yeast mixture.
- Add Egg – Whisk the egg into the mixture. Mix well. (Photo 1)
- Add Flour – Add about 3 cups of flour and continue mixing by hand or using paddle dough. Add just enough flour to make a soft dough. (Photos 2-3)
- Knead – Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-7 minutes (more if necessary to get the right texture). Or you can use your stand mixer with a dough hook. (Photo 4)
- Rise – Lightly oil a bowl, put the dough in turn once to coat the dough. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. Punch the dough down. (Photos 5-6)
Shape and Bake
- Divide – Remove dough onto a floured board or work surface. Divide the dough into 2 pieces, one about half the size of the other. The approximate weight for the larger ball of dough should be 18-19 ounces, and the smaller dough about 9 ounces. (Photos 7-8)
- Make Three Strands – Now divide the larger piece of dough into three equal strands. Stretch or roll the strands out into an even thickness until they become like ropes about 16 inches long.
- Braiding Challah – Line up the strands and pinch them together at one end. Braid the strands; take the left strand and cross it over the middle strand. Take the right strand, cross it over the middle strand, and repeat until you reach the end. Tightly pinch to seal the ends. (Photos 9-12)
- Transfer – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the braid. Repeat the exact same process with the smaller dough.
- Assemble – Brush egg white onto the larger braided dough, then carefully place the smaller braided dough on top. Make sure it sits well.
- Second Rise – Cover with a kitchen cloth and let rise until puffy, 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃.
- Egg Wash – Whisk together egg yolks and cream, then gently brush the loaf with the egg wash. Be careful not to deflate the bread.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown. If the bread browns quickly, cover loosely with foil paper.
- Serve – Let it cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Variations
- Challah Rolls: You can divide the dough into small rolls instead of braiding them.
- Challah Pretzels: Try it with smaller strands and shape it into pretzels. Enjoy it dipped with homemade chocolate sauce.
- Challah Sandwich: Slice the bread and add your favorite sandwich spread or filling. You can enjoy it with cheese and smoked ham. Yum!
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make a loaf for the New Year, simply stretch it a little longer. Then pull both ends towards each other to create a circle and squeeze the ends together to seal.
- Sprinkle your challah with sesame seeds or poppy seeds after brushing the loaf with the egg wash.
- Let your dough rest for 15-20 minutes before kneading it. That allows the flour to absorb liquid, making a softer, smoother dough.
- Brush the top of your finished challah with honey for a traditional treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Place the unbaked braided loaf in a baking pan the day before and cover it well with greased plastic wrap. Refrigerate it overnight. It will take longer to rise, but it will be fine.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator (still covered) the next day, and let it warm up while the oven preheats. Then bake according to the instructions.
Serving and Storage Instructions
While it can be tempting to dive in when it comes out of the oven, it’s best to let it cool before eating.
You can store leftover challah bread wrapped tightly in plastic at room temperature for 4-5 days. Most people say don’t put it in the fridge, and I agree. But you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag (removing as much air as possible) for 3-6 months.
Let frozen challah come at room temperature and enjoy.
FAQs
It’s ceremonial bread for the Jewish Sabbath and holy days, but challah bread brushed with honey is also a great dessert.
No words can best describe how utterly amazing this bread is. The dough is ultra-rich and slightly sweet, somewhere between a brioche and white bread. You can add cinnamon, Nutella, or chocolate chips if you want to bump up its flavor.
Challah and brioche are similar. However, challah is dairy-free for a kosher bread that goes with anything. Brioche is French, so it’s loaded with butter and milk (so good). But both of them make the best French toast and bread pudding.
What to Serve With Challah Bread
A traditional Rosh Hashanah menu includes chicken soup, slow-roasted brisket, roasted root vegetables, and apple cake. Really, you only need to avoid bitter and vinegary foods to celebrate this holiday in style.
More Soul-Satisfying Bread Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Challah bread is full of spiritual meaning. Do you have a holiday tradition involving this fabulous bread? Please share them with me in the comments. ❤️
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”WKH45Yhn” upload-date=”2019-04-16T22:34:04.000Z” name=”Challah Bread” description=”Challah Bread – braided loaf bread with a gorgeous golden brown exterior and a supple interior. A perfect holiday or Easter spread. Rich, slightly sweetened and easy to make, too!”]
This blog post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.
Challah Bread
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (177ml) water, at room temperature
- 1 envelope (about 2¼ teaspoons) active yeast
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter , cut in chunks
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons (7g) salt
- 3 large eggs, one egg separated (reserve egg white)
- 3¼-3½ cups (400g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Egg Wash (Brushing Top)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk or cream
Instructions
- Combine lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit until dissolved (about 5 minutes). You may do so in a standing mixer.
- Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe medium bowl, add butter chunks, sugar, and salt, and microwave for about a minute. Stir until everything is melted – the mixture should be warm, not hot. Let it cool slightly if the mixture is hot. Dump everything into the yeast mixture. Whisk the egg into the mixture. Let it cool if it's too hot, let it cool to prevent eggs from curdling. Mix until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add about 3 cups of flour and continue mixing by hand or using the dough paddle. Add in enough flour (if needed) to make a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-7 minutes or more if you want airy bread.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough in oil. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours or until doubled. Punch the dough down.
- Dump the dough onto a floured board or work surface. Divide it into two pieces, one about half the size of the other. The approximate weight for the larger dough should be about 18-19 ounces and the smaller dough about 9 ounces.
- Now divide the larger piece of dough into three equal strands, and then stretch or roll them into an even thickness to an about 16-inch-long rope.
- Line up the strands and pinch them together at one end. Braid the strands, crossing the left strand over the middle strand. Then cross the right strand over the middle strand until the bread is completely braided. Tightly pinch to seal the end.
- Carefully transfer the braid to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the same process with the smaller dough.
- Brush egg white onto the larger braided dough, then carefully place the smaller braided dough on top of it. Make sure it sits well.
- Cover with a kitchen cloth and let rise until puffy, 30-45 minutes, depending on the weather.
- Preheat oven to 350℉/177℃.
- Whisk together egg yolks and cream, then gently brush the loaf with the egg wash because you don't want to deflate the bread.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown. If the bread browns quickly, cover it loosely cover with foil.
- Let it cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Notes:
- If you want to make a celebration round bread, simply stretch the loaf a little longer, pull both ends towards each other to create a circle, and squeeze the ends together to seal.
- To store challah bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for 4-5 days.
- To make it ahead, place the unbaked braided loaf in a baking pan and cover it with greased plastic wrap. Place it then in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, remove the dough from the refrigerator (while still covered) and let it rise to room temperature for 60 minutes before baking it as instructed.
- Brush the loaf with an egg wash before sprinkling it with sesame or poppy seeds.
- Please remember that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Steph says
Hi! This is my 2nd time making it but I am still not that clear on how many eggs to add in the first part. The recipe shows about 5 eggs altogether but it’s hard to tell…I had to look at another recipe. I added 2 eggs and 1 yolk this time but then had to add a lot more than 3 cups of flour. Can you be more specific in the instructions exactly how many eggs/yolks to add to the mixture please? Thank you! I’ll be making this again but want to be sure it’s right.
ImmaculateBites says
Hello! Sorry for all the confusion. It is 3 Large eggs for the bread mix. The egg yolks is to brush the top of the bread. Also adjust the flour as needed , just enough to get a soft dough. Hope this helps !
Andrea says
I’ve seen this bread but never tried nor trying making one, but this recipe just make me fall in love with the idea of baking one… I’m so happy with the results! Thank you!
imma africanbites says
I’m so glad it turned out well for you, Andrea.
Sara Goverman says
Traditional challah is not made with butter. It is made for the Sabbath, and observant Jews do not mix milk and meat. Therefore, on Shabbat if there is a meat dinner, a Challah made with butter would be prohibited.
Samantha says
With that in mind, I’ve really enjoyed this recipe, substituting oil or margarine/vegan butter 1:1 instead of butter, and using nut milk (coconut in today’s case) 1:1 instead of milk/cream in the egg wash.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for sharing!!
loren roscoe says
My friend shared this recipe with me. I’m a first time bread baker and she promises this will be the best thing I ever make! The only issue is I have rapid rise yeast. Can I use that instead? Thank you so much!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Loren! Yes you can use rapid rise yeast. For this recipe, use 1 & 2/3 teaspoons of rapid rise yeast. Skip step 1 and add the yeast directly to the flour. Do let me know how this works for you.
Patricia says
If i double the recipe do i double the instant yeast?
ImmaculateBites says
You do not have to . You may add about 1 teaspoon more.
Angieange says
Hi! I followed your recipe exactly as you wrote it. It’s been 2 hours and my dough hasn’t doubled in size. I double checked my yeast and it has not expired. What could be the issue?
ImmaculateBites says
Hello! So sorry you are having trouble with your dough. There are many reasons why your dough didn’t rise. Next time try the following; make sure the water you use to mix the yeast is not too hot, as this would kill the yeast. And also make sure your room is warm enough. If your room is cold, the dough would take a much longer time to rise. Hope this helps!
Dee says
I have had a slightly sweeter version with raisins from a bakery. Any ideas on how to replicate with this recipe?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Dee! I would just another 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 cup of raisins. Let me know how this works for you!
Faina says
Came out amazing, I made after Passover. My kids loved it too! I have been trying different recipes for years and this is really the best. Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Faina. I am so glad this was a hit with your family. Thank you so much for the feedback!
Amanda says
Hello! Your challah looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it. Quick question, can I just make one challah with this recipe? Or I would have to make two separate ones? I don’t want to put them on top of each other so trying to figure it out. Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Hello,
You do not have to place on top of each other. Divide in half and make two separate challahs- no need to put on top of each other.
Enjoy!
Amanda says
Would I just omit the 3rd egg then? Or does the yolk still go in the dough? Thank you!
Mavis says
Please what kind of flour did you use; all purpose or bread flour?. Thanks I m in love with your work. Keep it up.
ImmaculateBites says
Hello Mavis. Thank you for the kind words :). As far as flour goes, I usually use whatever I have at hand. Bread flour would give the bread a slightly higher rise, but either flour would work just fine.
mikermeals says
I made this for Rosh Hashanah and it was fantastic. My first try at making bread it turned out great!
Frances says
This sure looks yummy…, have been trying to get hold of bread recipes for quite a while now. Am going to try it out. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work.
imma africanbites says
You’re welcome. So excited for you to try it. Happy baking!
Eunice Morrissette says
I live in the United States and I am so happy to receive your recipes. They are so scrumptious. You cook amazingly like me. I would love to continue cooking your food. Keep them coming. Thanks a million.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for your kind words and for the support. I appreciate it. 🙂
Mrs. Pam Sena says
God bless you! Your recipes are excellent and to see a young Cameroonian lady have this project going on, I am so happy and encouraged for the next generation. Keep up the good work my dear!
imma africanbites says
Thank you for your encouraging words! God bless you, too. Happy Monday!
Nweke Onyinyechi Favour says
This is very great, pls I want to learn your services, how can I contact you. Thanks
Abbe says
Hi Imma,
I make Challah every Shabbos and yours looks fabulous and I am sure by the ingredients listed that it tastes just as good as it looks. My recipe is similar sans the butter to make it parve. I am going to make your recipe as I love the color of your challah. And the dble layer look is divine!
imma africanbites says
Thank you for dropping by, Abbe! Looking forward for you to try this recipe. Please do let me know how it turned out for you. Enjoy!