traditional Jewish challah bread recipe

Medium difficulty & $

Time Requirements: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 package instant yeast
• 4 cups all purpose flour 
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Challah bread is a traditional Jewish bread. This versatile tasty bread is great to use for French toast, sandwich bread, or a snack. I grew up eating this slightly sweet delicious bread, every Friday night, on the Shabbas, when Jews celebrate the end of the week and the coming day of rest. There are many variations on this delicious bread, from chocolate desert Challah to rainbow Challah. Challah has many meanings depending on the size and shape and is often seen on the table at most Jewish holidays and events. For Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, loafs of challah are round, symbolizing continuity. On Purim Challah symbolizes the ten commandments. A Challah with three braids symbolizes truth, peace and justice. Sweet challahs made with honey and/ or raisins are baked during the festive season to bring joy and happiness in the coming year. 

This recipe is for a classic Challah. Braiding is the most exciting part! At first, I was not sure if the braid would come out looking good but after baking, it came out great! The secret is to be sure to always start the braid with the furthest right strand, go over two strands and under the third. You can also do a three or six strand Challah. 

My completed Challah:

Step 1:

Combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl

Step 2:

Add vegetable oil, water and two eggs. Mix until well combined.

Step 3:

Use your electric mixer with the dough hook or knead (on a well-floured surface) for about 10 minutes or until there are no more lumps.

Step 4:

Oil a bowl and place the dough in it, cover with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour (dough should double in size).

Step 5:

After one hour, knead the dough down and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6:

Lightly flour your surface for the dough. It is time to split!!!! Split dough into six even pieces.

Step 7:

Roll each piece into even logs (10-14 inches)

Step 8:

BEST PART…THE BRAIDING!!! Pinch the top of all six strands together tightly. Take the furthest right strand and cross it over the next two strands to the left, weaving it under the third, and then back over the remaining two.

Step 9:

Complete the process until the braid is complete.

Step 10:

Tuck all the loose strands under and transfer the loaf to a lined sheet pan.

Step 11:

Beat the last egg and brush over the loaf. Allow to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Step 12:

Preheat oven to 375 *F and bake for 35-40 minutes or until top of bread is golden-brown.

Step 13:

Let cool.

Step 14:

Slice, serve & enjoy!

Show me your Challah and leave comments below 😊