Description
Challah Bread is a beautifully braided, golden loaf with a soft, pillowy interior and a slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfasts, dinners, or festive occasions, it fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups, provides structure and the base for the dough
- Sugar: 1/4 cup, adds subtle sweetness
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons, essential for rising
- Warm Water: 1 cup, activates the yeast
- Eggs: 2 large, add richness and color
- Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup, tenderizes the bread
- Honey: 2 tablespoons, contributes a gentle sweetness
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons, optional topping for texture and flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheet.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs, oil, and honey, then gradually incorporate flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each into long strands and braid them together. Place the braid on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook to Perfection: Let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Brush with remaining egg wash immediately after baking. Sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Don’t over-knead; the dough should be soft and elastic but not sticky.
- Brush generously with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size for light, airy bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Challah Bread, braided bread, homemade bread, soft bread, sweet bread