Description
This Most Delicious Challah recipe yields a soft, slightly sweet, and fluffy loaf with a shiny, golden crust. Perfect for holidays, special meals, or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, oil, and honey. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, divide into three equal portions. Roll each into a rope, braid them together, and tuck ends underneath.
- Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet. Let rise for another hour, until puffed up.
- For the egg wash, beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush over the loaf.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a sweeter challah, replace sugar with more honey.
- Try adding raisins or chocolate chips for a sweet variation.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and olive oil instead of eggs and vegetable oil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
