Challah
Challah is a sweet, braided bread that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Its fluffy texture and golden-brown crust make it perfect for special occasions like Shabbat or Sunday brunch. This beginner-friendly recipe results in a visually stunning loaf that’s delicious on its own or as toast. With just a few simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll create a centerpiece for your table that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Activate yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Punch down the risen dough gently, divide into three pieces, roll into ropes, and braid them together.
- Transfer braided loaf to a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg