Challah is a rich and slightly sweet pillow-y bread that is traditionally served every week for the Sabbath and major Jewish holidays. Anyone can make it, though…and should! Despite its incredibly impressive look, preparing it is quite easy. And absolutely delicious. It’s truly a showstopper on any dinner table.
Simply put, Challah (pronounced “ha-luh” – the c is silent) is a yeast dough enriched with eggs and butter (or oil if keeping Kosher), with a little added sugar for sweetness. What sets it apart is how it’s prepared and the stunning presentation once baked. The dough is separated into strands and braided, brushed with an egg wash, then baked until tender and golden.
On a deeper level, it’s a special bread of Jewish origin, loaded with tradition and symbolism, typically served for Shabbat (or Sabbath, in English) Friday dinner and major Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah.
Best Challah Bread Recipe
Challah’s most magnificent characteristic is its gorgeous golden sheen and of course the braid. While it can be made in different shapes and sizes, the most traditional braid is a three-strand loaf, representing love, peace, and justice. Making two loaves of challah (and thus, six strands), is also known to symbolize the six work days of the week aside from Shabbat.
Round loaves are served for Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year. It’s meant to represent the continuity of a year, since a round loaf has no beginning or end.
Many people compare challah and brioche because they are very similar. Both are enriched yeast dough made with eggs, with a similar sweetness, golden shell, and pillow-like texture. For added flavor and texture, sprinkle on some sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
Apple And Honey Challah Bread
The most significant difference is that Challah is part of the Jewish culture and typically made with oil (instead of butter) to keep it kosher. To keep Kosher, dairy and meats are not to be eaten together. (NOTE: the recipe we’re sharing today does include butter. If keeping kosher, substitute with a neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable or canola.)
If you’re lucky enough to have any Challah leftover, leave some out on the counter overnight, uncovered, and put it to great use the next morning for the best french toast or use in a french toast casserole. Leftovers are also wonderful in bread pudding or for roast beef sandwiches.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onTikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, andYouTube!
Sourdough Whole Wheat Challah Bread
Challah is a rich and slightly sweet pillow-y bread that is traditionally served every week for the Sabbath and major Jewish holidays. Anyone can make it, though…and should! Despite its incredibly impressive look, preparing it is quite easy. And absolutely delicious.
Storing leftovers: You can store your cooled challah on the counter for up to 4 days. Secure it tightly in plastic wrap, store it in a ziploc bag, or another airtight container to maintain freshness.
To freeze: You can freeze an entire loaf or individual slices. Wrap it in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw on the counter before enjoying.
The Best Ever Challah Bread
Calories: 168 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 261 mg | Potassium: 47 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 140 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 10 mg | Iron: 2 mg
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.
Subscribe for free to receive new weekly recipes and instantly get 7 Easy Family Meals for under $15 each! A week's worth of dinners that won't break your pocket book.Hello friends! Today let’s make this recipe for homemade Challah Bread! It’s super delicious, and the braiding is easier than it seems.
How To Make Challah Bread With Video
I will show you how to braid a 4 strand challah bread. Also make sure to watch the video on this page or on Youtube, showing you exactly how to do that! It’s so much easier to understand and follow along with the video! But I will include pictures and instructions below.
I used to work at a Jewish-American style bakery. And everyday, I made loaves and loaves of challah bread. Braiding challah bread is so much fun, and kind of therapeutical in a way. This 4 strand challah bread is my favorite variety of the braids.
And I really recommend watching the video to learn how to braid the challah, however, I am going to show you some pictures below that can be helpful.
Easy Challah Bread
First move is to cross over the first and last strands, by bringing the last strand to the first place on the left, and the first strand (which now became second) will move over to the last spot, all the way to the right.
From now on, the movements will be the same set of 4 actions over and over until you reach the end of the braid.
Now go back to the top and repeat. First to the middle, replace with the third. Last to the middle, replace it with the second.
Soft Challah: Sweet & Savory Braided Bread
I will say it again, watch the video on Youtube, or on this channel, and follow along as you are braiding, it will be a breeze!
It is much easier once you have the strands of challah in front of you and you follow along as you watch the video.
There are many challah recipes out there, and each has its own twist or technique. I believe in keeping it simple, straight forward, so that’s what I am focusing on.
Challah Bread Recipe With Raisins And Sliced Almonds
Challah bread is simple and easy to make. From beginning to end it can take only 2 hours to make the bread, if you are familiar with yeast breads, and with the braiding. With practice you can get there! But again, even being a beginner baking, following along the video and my detailed instructions, you will succeed at making this delicious soft challah bread.
This recipe makes 1 large loaf, 2 medium loaves, or 3 smaller ones. You can even make rolls with this recipe. Baking time for the smaller ones will be lower than for the larger loaves.
The bread is done baking once the internal temperature measures 190 to 200ºF. Don’t over bake or it will be dry and hard.
Easiest 3 Braid Challah Bread Recipe
We brush the loaves with egg wash before rising because at that point the dough will be more sturdy, and you will be able to get into all the crevices. Once the dough rises, it will be softer, and you will have to be more gentle with the brushing not to deflate the dough.
You can use whole egg wash to brush on the bread before baking, instead of egg white wash, as I indicate. The bread will have a more yellow color if using whole eggs. I prefer the looks with just the egg whites.
My favorite way to serve Challah Bread is to toast the slices, and then serve them with jam spread on top and a drizzle of honey.
Ultimate Challah Bread Recipe
Challah bread is great for sandwiches, actually at the Jewish Bakery I used to work at, we made them into rolls for the sandwiches that we served at the deli.
Since I made 9 loaves of challah for the video and for the pictures for this post, I have turned one loaf into garlic croutons to eat with soup yesterday.
I sliced the loaf into crouton size pieces, then mixed in a bowl with olive oil and a touch of pink salt.
Best Challah (egg Bread)
Then I baked in the 350ºF oven for 20 minutes, stirring in between to bake evenly. And then I removed from the oven and mixed the croutons with garlic powder, and some other spices!
Wrap the baked loaves, or place them in freezer ziploc bags, and place them in the freezer for about 1 to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight. Then remove them from the fridge and serve.
If you make this recipe please leave a review below! The reviews really help out the blog and other readers! Also tag me on instagram, I love to see your creations, and I am always so honored.
How To Make Challah Bread From Scratch
This homemade Challah Bread Recipe is easier to make than it seems. I will show you how to make a 4 braid challah bread!
Yeast: Use instant yeast, not active. If all you have at hand is active yeast, then make sure to proof it first. To proof active yeast, make sure the water is warm (90 to 110ºF), and then mix the water, sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it bubbles up. Then add all of the other ingredients to the bowl and proceed with the regular mixing/kneading described in the recipe above.
Make ahead:
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