Jeanie Grossinger's Hotel Challah

Transport yourself to the golden era of hospitality with Jeanie Grossinger's Hotel Challah, a timeless classic from the famed Grossinger's Resort. This rich, glossy braided bread is a showstopper both in flavor and presentation, perfect for holiday tables or indulgent breakfasts. Crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil, the magic lies in the silky, tender texture achieved through careful kneading and a warm second rise. A final egg wash gives the loaf its signature golden hue, while optional poppy or sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. With its subtly sweet flavor and irresistibly fluffy crumb, this challah is as versatile as it is stunning—ideal for everything from hearty sandwiches to a decadent base for French toast. Whether you're an experienced baker or looking to try bread-making for the first time, this recipe is a deliciously rewarding endeavor steeped in tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:150 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:185 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 8 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 2.25 cups Warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• 0.5 cups Vegetable oil
• 4 whole Eggs
• 1 whole Egg yolks
• 1 whole Egg for egg wash
• 2 tablespoons Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the yeast with 1/4 cup of the warm water and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Add the remaining water, sugar, salt, oil, and 3 of the eggs into the bowl and whisk together until well combined.

Step 3

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Step 4

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a large lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 3 or 6 equal portions, depending on your braiding preference.

Step 7

Roll each portion into long ropes and braid them together to form a single loaf, tucking the ends underneath. For a double braid, use 6 ropes to create two braids stacked together.

Step 8

Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

Whisk the remaining egg and egg yolk together with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the loaf generously with the egg wash, making sure to cover all surfaces.

Step 11

If desired, sprinkle the top with poppy or sesame seeds.

Step 12

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2021.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5290.5

Total Fat 149.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.2g
Cholesterol 1114.5mg	0%
Sodium 7457.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 842.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.6g	0%
Total Sugars 104.1g
Protein 139.0g	0%

Vitamin D 223.3IU	0%
Calcium 533.5mg	0%
Iron 53.3mg	0%
Potassium 1652.5mg	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: 25.5%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 63.9%