Challah Bread
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to making Challah Bread, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike! This beautifully braided loaf combines rich flavors and soft texture to create a bread that’s not just visually stunning but incredibly delicious too.
What Is Challah Bread
Challah is a traditional Jewish bread, rich in history and significance, often enjoyed during the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays. This egg-rich, slightly sweet loaf is braided to perfection, symbolizing love and unity. If you’ve never baked bread before, don’t worry—Challah is an excellent starting point. Its forgiving nature and straightforward process make it ideal for first-timers looking to venture into the world of bread-making.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility; it’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. The simple list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a newbie looking for a foolproof first-time bread or an experienced baker searching for the ultimate Challah recipe, this one is for you.
Why You’ll Love My Challah Bread Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor and Texture: This Challah recipe offers a balance of slightly sweet and rich flavors, complemented by a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crispy crust. It’s the kind of bread that will make you reach for a second (or third!) slice.
- Easy-to-Follow for Beginners: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you’ve never baked bread before, the detailed step-by-step instructions make the process approachable and enjoyable, setting you up for success on your very first try.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: The beauty of Challah lies in its versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday meal, using it for French toast the next morning, or simply enjoying it as is, this bread appeals to a wide range of tastes and occasions, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Active Dry Yeast: The essential ingredient for fermentation and rise. Instant yeast can be a suitable substitute.
- Lukewarm Water: Helps to activate the yeast. Make sure it’s not too hot or cold to ensure the yeast works properly. Ideal temperature is 110°F or 45°C.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and also aids in yeast activation. Honey or agave can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness to the dough. Some people use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan version.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and fat content, making the bread soft. You can substitute it with olive oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure. Bread flour or whole-wheat flour can be used, but they will change the texture and density of the bread.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity. Kosher salt or sea salt can be used if preferred.
- Beaten Egg: Provides a beautiful golden sheen to the baked loaf. Milk or cream can be used for a less shiny finish.
- Sesame Seeds: An optional topping that adds crunch and visual appeal. You can opt for poppy seeds or even flaked sea salt.
Hey, trust me, making Challah is way easier than it looks! And the best part? Your kitchen is going to smell amazing. So, let’s dive in.
First off, we need to get our yeast going. Just mix it in some warm water with a pinch of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and set it aside for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all frothy on top.
While the yeast is doing its thing, let’s beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and the rest of the sugar in another bowl. You’re looking for a well-mixed, slightly frothy blend.
In a big bowl or the bowl of your mixer, mix together your flour and salt. Pour the frothy yeast mixture and your beaten eggs into that well in the flour. Stir it around until you get a dough. Then, flour your countertop and start mixing using the dough hook. You’ll know you’re done when the dough is smooth and elastic and comes clean from the sides of the bowl, usually takes about 10 minutes.
Place that beautiful ball of dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it nap in a warm spot. You want it to double in size, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Once your dough has puffed up, give it a gentle punch to deflate it. I know it sounds weird, but it’s a crucial step. Divide it into strands for braiding; you can go with 3, 4, or 6, depending on how fancy you want to get.
Roll each strand into a long rope, line them up, pinch the tops together, and start braiding. If you’ve never braided before, don’t worry; there are tons of easy tutorials online. Seal the ends when you’re done.
Place your braided masterpiece on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it up, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. It’ll get nice and puffy, promise.
While you’re waiting, preheat your oven to 375°F. Once your dough is ready, brush it with a beaten egg to give it that golden sheen. If you want, sprinkle some sesame seeds for extra crunch. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Once it’s all golden and beautiful, give it a little tap. If it sounds hollow, you’re good to go. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to double-check; the internal temperature should be around 190°F. Then take it out and let it cool on a wire rack. And voila! You just made Challah!
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not Letting the Dough Rise Enough: Patience is key when making bread. Don’t rush the rising time; otherwise, you’ll end up with a dense loaf. Make sure it has doubled in size during the first rise, and that it’s nice and puffy during the second.
- Yeast Not Activating: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. If the yeast mixture doesn’t get frothy, toss it and start again. Also, make sure your water is warm but not hot; you’re looking for that “baby bottle” temperature.
- Over-Kneading the Dough: Yes, there is such a thing! You’re aiming for smooth and elastic, not tough and chewy. Usually, 10 minutes of kneading does the trick.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Don’t be tempted to skip this step; it gives the bread that gorgeous, golden finish. Plus, it helps any optional seeds stick.
- Inconsistent Braid Size: When you’re dividing the dough for braiding, try to get the ropes as even as possible for a uniform bake and a prettier loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal water temperature for yeast activation?
The water should be between 105°F and 115°F for optimal yeast activation. Too cold and the yeast won’t activate; too hot and you might kill it.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! Instant yeast is a bit more potent and doesn’t require activation. Just mix it directly into your dry ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil. Some people even use melted butter for a richer flavor.
How do I know if my bread is done baking?
Your challah should be a beautiful golden brown on top, and when you tap it on the bottom, it should sound hollow. To be extra sure, you can stick an instant-read thermometer into the center of the loaf; it should read about 190°F.
Do I need to use a stand mixer?
While a stand mixer can make the process quicker and less labor-intensive, you can absolutely make challah by hand. You’ll just need a little more elbow grease for kneading.
Why is my dough not rising?
There could be a few reasons: your yeast might be expired, your water temperature might have been off, or your environment might be too cold. Make sure to proof your yeast first to ensure it’s active, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Can I make this challah vegan?
Certainly! You can use plant-based milk and a flaxseed egg for the wash. Replace the eggs in the dough with a commercial egg replacer or applesauce.
Serving Suggestions
Challah is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Enjoy it as-is, freshly sliced, or take it up a notch by toasting it and adding a pat of butter. It’s the perfect bread for sandwiches, French toast, or bread pudding. For a traditional Jewish meal, pair it with dishes like matzo ball soup or smoked salmon.
Storage
Wrap your challah tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last for about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
I’m eager to hear about your experience with this Challah recipe! Did it turn out as you’d hoped? Did you make any tweaks? Your insights and tips could make all the difference for someone else looking to try their hand at baking this beautiful bread. I’d also love to see your photos, so don’t hesitate to share those as well! And of course, if you have any questions or encountered any bumps along the way, feel free to ask.
No Knead Challah Bread
Looking for a no-knead version of the classic challah bread that’s just as delicious as the traditional method? Look no further! This No-Knead Challah Bread recipe is the answer to your prayers. It’s a breeze to make, requiring just a simple mix, a patient rise, and a quick bake. Say goodbye to the elbow grease typically needed for bread-making and hello to a beautifully soft, golden loaf that comes together with minimal effort.
Discover Other Breads
Potato Bread
White Bread Recipe
Dark Rye Bread
No Knead Honey Oat Bread
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Challah Bread
Video
Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1¼ cup water (lukewarm)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoon salt
For The Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- sesame seeds
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 3 eggs, vegetable oil, and the remaining sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your mixer, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture followed by the egg mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic when it's ready. You can also mix this in your mixer for about 5 to 10 minutes until the dough comes clean from the sides of the bowl.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into as many strands as you want for your braid (a traditional challah uses 3, 4, or 6).
- Roll each portion of dough into long, even ropes. Line them up side by side, pinch the ends together at the top, and braid the strands. Pinch the ends to seal when you reach the bottom.
- Place the braided dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- While the dough is going through its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the risen dough with the beaten egg wash. If you’re using poppy or sesame seeds, sprinkle them on now.
- Place the challah in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the challah to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your yeast mixture turns frothy. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be old and should be replaced.
- Flour Variations: While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can also use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives the bread its beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the bread reaches at least 190°F (88°C), indicating it is fully baked.
- Second Rise: Make sure to give the braided dough enough time to puff up in the second rise; this contributes to a lighter, fluffier loaf.
- Optional Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on the egg-washed loaf before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Day-Old Bread: Challah tends to dry out quickly. If you’re using day-old bread, consider reviving it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
