Challah Bread

Golden, braided, and irresistibly soft, this homemade Challah Bread is a showstopping centerpiece for any table. Perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or any special occasion, this traditional Jewish bread boasts a slightly sweet flavor and pillowy texture, achieved through a rich dough made with eggs, sugar, and a touch of vegetable oil. The carefully braided loaf is brushed with a glossy egg wash and topped with poppy or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. With minimal ingredients and a hands-on kneading process, this recipe gives you the perfect balance of lightness and chew. Whether served plain, slathered with butter, or as the base for French toast, this aromatic, golden-brown loaf is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 0.33 cup sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds or sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and 3 of the eggs.

Step 4

Blend the ingredients together until the dough begins to form. If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 or 4 equal parts, depending on how many strands you want for the braid.

Step 8

Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12-15 inches long) and braid them together. Tuck the ends underneath to give a neat finish.

Step 9

Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with the egg yolk. Brush this egg wash mixture over the risen loaf, ensuring all visible parts of the dough are coated.

Step 12

Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds over the loaf for added flavor and texture.

Step 13

Bake the challah in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 14

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1152.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3131.8

Total Fat 88.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 928.5mg	0%
Sodium 3849.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 487.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 69.0g
Protein 89.4g	0%

Vitamin D 182.2IU	0%
Calcium 454.5mg	0%
Iron 31.0mg	0%
Potassium 1139.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.7%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 62.8%