The Ultimate Challah Bread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and when that bread is Challah, the experience is elevated to a whole new level. With its golden, braided exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, The Ultimate Challah Bread is a delightful treat that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings. This recipe is simple enough for baking novices and so delicious that even your most discerning family members will be asking for seconds!

Did you know that Challah bread has roots that date back to ancient times? It’s often enjoyed during Shabbat and special occasions, symbolizing a sweet blessing of abundance. If you’ve tried my popular Honey Cake recipe, you’ll appreciate the same warm, inviting flavors found in this bread. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make something extraordinary that will warm your heart and home!

What is The Ultimate Challah Bread?

Challah might sound fancy, but it isn’t just about the name. Have you ever wondered why it resembles a beautiful braid? Maybe it’s because, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” Imagine impressing your friends with a stunning loaf while also filling their bellies! Fun fact: Challah bread is traditionally made for Jewish Sabbath dinners. But you don’t have to be Jewish to love it! With its slightly sweet flavor and soft, pillowy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion! So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will be forever grateful!

Why You’ll Love This The Ultimate Challah Bread

There are countless reasons to fall in love with The Ultimate Challah Bread! First, this bread makes an excellent main dish highlight for any meal, whether you’re serving it alongside a savory stew or dressing it up as a delectable sandwich. Second, baking at home is a fantastic way to save money. Store-bought bread often lacks flavor and costs more than making it yourself! And let’s not forget about the toppings—slather on some butter, drizzle with honey, or add your favorite jam to elevate the flavor even further. Just picture a fluffy slice topped with rich, creamy butter melting into every nook and cranny. What could be better than that? So grab your apron and dive into baking this fantastic loaf!

How to Make The Ultimate Challah Bread

Quick Overview

Baking The Ultimate Challah Bread is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the delightful taste of freshly made bread, but you’ll also love the texture—a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, tender crumb. The preparation time is approximately 2 hours, including rising and baking time, and trust me, the effort is well worth it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast until well combined.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, then add in 3 large eggs. Stir well.
3. Combine: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the Bread: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes (about 12 inches), then braid them together.
7. Second Rise: Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and cover it once again with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Egg Wash and Optional Seeds: Beat one egg for the egg wash, and gently brush the surface of the dough. If desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the challah turns a golden brown color.
11. Cool Down: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Top Tips for Perfecting The Ultimate Challah Bread

• Flour Adjustments: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour while kneading. Just avoid adding too much, as it can make the bread dense!
• Egg Substitute: For a plant-based version, you can use unsweetened applesauce or aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as an egg substitute, though it might change the texture slightly.
• Rising Time: If your kitchen is cool, consider letting the dough rise in a warm oven (just turn it on for a minute, then turn it off) to speed up the process.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Make sure your yeast is fresh; dead yeast will prevent your bread from rising properly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your The Ultimate Challah Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature. For best results, rewarm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the crust to regain its crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Now that you know all the insights and tips for making The Ultimate Challah Bread, you’re all set to impress your family and friends! Happy baking!

The Ultimate Challah Bread

A delightful, soft, and fluffy braided bread that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Jewish

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg for egg wash
• sesame or poppy seeds optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, then add in 3 large eggs. Stir well.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Rising

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes (about 12 inches), then braid them together.
3. Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and cover it once again with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat one egg for the egg wash, and gently brush the surface of the dough. If desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the challah turns a golden brown color.
4. Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Notes

To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature and rewarm in the oven.