Golden Braided Challah A Taste of Tradition

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had a craving for something sweet, comforting, and totally impressive? This challah bread recipe is your answer! It is a pillowy soft braided bread , slightly sweet, and perfect with butter.

Honestly, this recipe is a hug in bread form.

Brief Overview

Challah bread (pronounced "hall-uh") is a traditional Jewish recipes , often enjoyed during Shabbat bread recipe and High holiday bread .

It's a wonderfully sweet bread recipe that is fun to make, and I love the smell in my kitchen. This recipe is medium difficulty, takes around 3 hours total, and yields one large loaf, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits

This homemade challah isn't just delicious, it's also packed with good stuff! The eggs add protein, and the gentle sweetness is way better than processed sugary treats.

Serve it at your next brunch or family gathering. It's sure to impress. It is a special easy bread recipes to make.

Ready to get baking?

Golden Braided Challah A Taste of Tradition Recipe Card

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Preparation time:115 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:12 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast (7g)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil work well)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• 2 large eggs + 1 large egg for egg wash
• 4 – 4 ½ cups (500-565g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• In the same bowl, add warm milk, sugar, oil, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine.
• Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces for a simple braid, or 6 pieces for a more intricate braid. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long.
• Braid the ropes together according to your chosen braiding style.
• Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a clean towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
• Whisk together the remaining egg and water.
• Gently brush the entire surface of the loaf with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
• Remove the challah from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:275

Fat:9g

Fiber:1.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Bread

Cuisine:Jewish

Unlocking the Magic of Challah Bread Recipes

So, you might be wondering what makes this challah bread recipe so special. Well, first off, it's totally doable at home.

Don't let the braided bread look intimidate you! My first time how to braid challah looked like a complete disaster, but it still tasted amazing.

Trust me, it is not like on Bake Off.

Braided Bread : From humble beginnings to the oven

Plus, baking your own challah bread just feels good. The aroma fills the house, and you get the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious with your own hands.

It's the perfect way to slow down, get creative, and maybe even channel your inner grandma. It is a real slice of a tradition that comes alive in your kitchen.

If I am being honest I did not realize how hard this bread was to make untill I did it and now is one of my top jewish recipes to go.

Ingredients & Equipment for Homemade Challah

Okay, so you wanna bake some Challah bread ? Ace! I've got your back! This challah bread recipe is easier than you think.

Seriously. Let’s dive into what you'll need to whip up this beauty.

The Starters: Dough Ingredients Deconstructed

For the dough, you'll need:

• Active Dry Yeast : 2 ¼ teaspoons (that's 7g for my metric pals). Make sure it's alive . Expired yeast is sad yeast.
• Warm Water : ¼ cup (60ml), between 105- 115° F ( 40- 46° C ). Too hot and you'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't wake up!
• Granulated Sugar : 1 teaspoon (5ml) for the yeast, and another ¼ cup (50g) for the dough itself.
• Warm Milk : ½ cup (120ml). Whole or 2% works.
• Vegetable Oil : ¼ cup (60ml). Canola or sunflower oil are good.
• Salt : 1 teaspoon (5ml). Don't skip it!
• Eggs : 2 large for the dough, 1 large for the egg wash. Free-range if you can!
• All-Purpose Flour : 4 – 4 ½ cups (500-565g), plus extra for dusting.

Seasoning Secrets

This is where the magic happens. These sweet bread recipe additions make the Challah really sing!.

• Salt : It balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors. Crucial!
• Sweetness : Sugar is the MVP, but you could use honey. If you want the High holiday bread
• Toppings : Sesame or poppy seeds are classic.

Gear Up: Essential Tools

Don't worry, you don't need fancy equipment for this braided bread .

• Large Mixing Bowl : For the dough.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons : No eyeballing here!
• Baking Sheet : Lined with parchment paper.
• Clean Kitchen Towel : For proofing.
• Whisk : For combining wet ingredients.
• Pastry Brush : For that gorgeous egg wash.

Honestly, baking this challah bread recipe is a journey, not a race. This recipe is an authentic Jewish Recipes . So put on some good music, and let’s get baking some Shabbat bread recipe .

The Golden Path to Challah Bread Perfection

So, you want to bake challah bread ? Oh my gosh, you've come to the right place! This challah bread recipe is totally achievable, even if you're not a seasoned baker.

I'm serious! We're talking proper Shabbat bread recipe vibes. Forget complicated challah bread recipes you've seen elsewhere. This is homemade challah made easy.

Mise en Place Magic for Easy Bread Recipes

Before we dive into this Jewish recipes , let's get our ducks in a row. First, grab your active dry yeast (7g) .

Next, warm 1/4 cup (60ml) water to 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Measure out your other ingredients. This saves so much time later.

Honestly, this sweet bread recipe becomes a doddle when you're organised.

Brhelping Brilliance: How to Braid Challah

This part can seem daunting. But trust me, it's like brhelping hair. Well nearly! There are loads of vids online.

Divide your dough. Roll it into ropes and then weave. Then you end up with beautiful braided bread .

Unleashing Your Inner Baker: Step-by-Step

Here's a foolproof method for this yummy high holiday bread :

1. Wake up the Yeast: Mix yeast , 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar and warm water . Stand 5- 10 minutes .
2. Wet Party: Combine the activated yeast with warm milk, sugar, oil, salt , and eggs .
3. Flour Power: Gradually add 4 – 4 ½ cups flour .
4. Knead Time: Knead for 8- 10 minutes , until smooth.
5. First Rise: Proof in a bowl, covered, for 60- 90 minutes .
6. Shape Shifter: Divide, roll into ropes, braid, see "Brhelping Brilliance" above.
7. Second Rise: Proof again for 30- 45 minutes .
8. Bake It: Brush with egg wash, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes .

Pro Baking Challah Tips and Tricks

Don't over-knead your dough. Over-kneading creates a tough challah bread . The dough should be elastic. Another point: An egg wash gives that lovely, golden-brown colour.

And please, cool completely. A warm loaf can be gummy when sliced. You know? Let the thing cool down!

This challah bread recipe has become a weekly ritual. The smell fills the house. It's such a treat with a cuppa.

I hope this simple guide inspires you. Give it a go, and let me know how you get on!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Challah Bread Recipe

Right, so you've decided to tackle this incredible challah bread . Good on you! Honestly, it's easier than you think, but there are a few things I've learned over the years that can really elevate your braided bread game.

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty, shall we?

Serving It Up: From Plate to Palate

Let's think presentation. Fresh out of the oven, this Homemade Challah is gorgeous all on its own. Plating-wise, a simple wooden board works wonders.

A dusting of flour makes it look very authentic. Alternatively, try serving it warm alongside a simple bowl of olive oil for dipping.

For sides, I reckon some honey butter is essential. You know, the kind you whip up yourself with a touch of cinnamon? Divine! Drink-wise, a glass of chilled white wine, or even better, some elderflower cordial.

It's really rather lush.

Storing Your Shabbat bread recipe Like a Pro

Right, so you've baked this beautiful Challah bread , and now you're wondering how to keep it fresh. I've been there!

For refrigeration, wrap it tightly in cling film. It'll keep for about 3 days like this, no problem. For longer storage, slice it up and freeze it in a freezer bag.

Honestly, freezing is your best bet.

Reheating? Easy peasy! Just pop a slice in the toaster, or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a low oven at 300° F ( 150° C) for about 10- 15 minutes.

Bingo!

Switching It Up: Easy Bread Recipes with a Twist

Want to get creative? Absolutely!

For a vegan version, swap the eggs for flax eggs. You know, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.

Wait 5 minutes before using. It works like a charm! For a slightly sweeter version of this Sweet bread recipe , try adding honey.

Replace about ¼ cup of the sugar with honey. Gives it a lovely warmth!

Jewish Recipes : Knowledge is Power

Okay, a quick bit of nutrition info! Each slice of this challah bread recipe is roughly 250-300 calories.

More importantly, challah is traditionally baked for Shabbat and High Holiday bread . It's more than just bread; it's a symbol of tradition and celebration. How cool is that?

So there you have it. A few extra notes to help you nail your challah bread recipe . Don't stress, have fun with it, and get ready to enjoy some seriously tasty braided bread ! Trust me, you got this!