Challah is more than just a loaf of bread; it’s a symbol of joy and celebration, often gracing the tables during Shabbat and festive occasions. This traditional sweet challah recipe will guide you through creating a beautifully braided bread that is soft, slightly sweet, and utterly delightful.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked challah wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The golden crust and fluffy interior make it perfect for toasting, slathering with butter, or enjoying plain with a cup of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
The Essence of Challah
Challah is a significant bread in many cultures, particularly within Jewish traditions. Its unique, braided form and slightly sweet flavor make it a cherished part of celebrations, especially during Shabbat and other festive occasions.
The process of making challah is not just about baking; it’s an enriching experience that brings family and friends together. The warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked challah fills the home, creating a sense of warmth and community.
Characteristics of Perfect Challah
This beautifully braided loaf features a golden-brown crust that glistens with a rich egg wash, while sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch on top. The interior is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for various uses.
Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or with a spread of butter, challah is versatile enough for any occasion. Its structure allows it to hold up well to toppings, showing off its delightful texture with each slice.
Preparing the Dough
The journey to a perfect challah begins with the right ingredients. Flour, sugar, salt, yeast, eggs, and oil come together to form the foundation of this beloved bread. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor and texture, resulting in a rich, tender crumb.
The dough-making process involves mixing dry ingredients and slowly incorporating wet ones. Kneading transforms the mixture into a smooth, elastic dough, ready for its first rise. This initial step is essential, as it develops the structure that defines a quality challah.
Shaping and Braiding
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into the iconic braid. Dividing the dough into three equal pieces, each strand is rolled out and braided together carefully. This step not only creates a stunning appearance but also enhances the texture of the bread.
After braiding, the dough undergoes a second rise, allowing it to expand and develop further flavor. This rises the anticipation for the final product, as the braided loaf begins to take shape and promise a delightful eating experience.
Baking to Perfection
Before baking, an egg wash is brushed over the challah, giving it that signature golden hue and sheen. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds a touch of texture and flavor, enhancing the overall presentation.
The bread is then baked until it achieves a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. This stage is crucial, as it ensures the loaf is cooked through while maintaining a soft interior.
Cooling and Slicing
Once out of the oven, allow the challah to cool adequately on a wire rack. This step ensures that the texture remains intact and the flavors settle. Slicing into the loaf reveals its fluffy interior, showcasing the lovely braid that makes challah so appealing.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this beautifully braided challah bread is sure to bring joy to your table.
How to Make Perfect Challah Bread
This challah bread is rich and flavorful, with a tender crumb and a beautiful golden-brown crust. Sweet and slightly enriched with eggs, it’s the perfect balance of softness and structure, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, plus 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- Sesame or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, vegetable oil, and three eggs.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Challah: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long strand and braid them together. Pinch the ends to seal.
- Second Rise: Transfer the braided challah to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the surface of the risen challah. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake: Place the challah in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
