Traditional Challah

Soft, golden, and irresistibly fragrant, this Traditional Challah recipe delivers a classic, braided bread that is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, eggs, and a touch of sugar, this time-honored bread achieves its signature rich flavor and pillowy texture through a careful kneading process and two generous rises. Brushed with a shiny egg wash and sprinkled with poppy or sesame seeds, this loaf bakes to perfection with a deep golden crust. Perfect for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or even a sweet French toast, this versatile challah recipe is an essential addition to your bread-baking repertoire. Its beautiful braid and comforting taste make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 4 units large eggs
• 1 unit egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons poppy or sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it so it's coated with oil. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it's doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.

Step 7

Roll each part into long ropes and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal and tuck them underneath.

Step 8

Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another hour until it'll double in size again.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water for the egg wash.

Step 11

Brush the loaf with the egg wash, then sprinkle it with poppy or sesame seeds if desired.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the Challah is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove the Challah from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1625.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4780.1

Total Fat 144.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.2g
Cholesterol 928.5mg	0%
Sodium 7390.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 753.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.6g	0%
Total Sugars 103.1g
Protein 119.2g	0%

Vitamin D 178.2IU	0%
Calcium 495.5mg	0%
Iron 45.4mg	0%
Potassium 1460.0mg	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: 27.2%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 62.9%