Description
This Challah Bread recipe creates a soft, slightly sweet loaf with a golden-brown crust and tender interior, perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dinner.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg (for egg wash)
Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk together vegetable oil and eggs. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir to distribute salt evenly.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a floured surface.
- Knead the dough: Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
- Braid the dough: Braid the three ropes together and pinch the ends to secure. Place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the braided dough and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply egg wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush over the top of the loaf. Optionally, sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a sweeter loaf, add honey or cinnamon to the dough.
For a raisin challah, add raisins or dried cranberries before braiding.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg