Water Challah

Discover the timeless beauty of homemade *Water Challah*, a dairy-free twist on the classic braided bread perfect for Jewish holidays or any cozy family dinner. This recipe combines simple pantry staples—like all-purpose flour, warm water, and a touch of sugar—with the art of bread-making to create a soft, fluffy loaf with a delicately crisp crust. The dough is lovingly kneaded and braided, with an optional sprinkle of poppy or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Requiring only a handful of ingredients and a couple of hours of rise time, this traditional challah recipe is as forgiving as it is impressive. Serve it fresh from the oven with your favorite spreads or alongside a hearty soup for an unforgettable centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for Shabbat, festive gatherings, or enhancing your everyday table, this water challah recipe is a must-try for bakers of all levels embracing the joy of homemade bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 6 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 0.33 cups Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1.75 cups Warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 0.25 cups Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Optional: Poppy seeds or sesame seeds for topping

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2

Add the remaining 0.75 cups of warm water, oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until the mixture begins to come together.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it is manageable.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat, and cover with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 or 6 equal portions, depending on whether you want a 3-strand or 6-strand braid.

Step 7

Roll each portion into long ropes and braid them together. Place the braided challah onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8

Cover the challah with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes until it puffs up slightly.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the challah with water and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1298.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3441.6

Total Fat 66.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4740.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 622.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.0g	0%
Total Sugars 68.0g
Protein 80.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 338.6mg	0%
Iron 35.3mg	0%
Potassium 1033.0mg	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: 17.6%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 73.0%