Easy Challah Bread Recipe

homesteadhippy (63)in #homesteading • 4 years ago

Tender crumb with a sweet crust, this easy challah bread recipe is a staple in many homes on Friday nights. You'll love how easy it is to make, and how quickly you can learn to braid the challah!

The smell of fresh-baked bread often triggers memories of comfort and home. It's no wonder that the traditional Challah Bread is a part of the Sabbath and now can be enjoyed by all. With some simple ingredients, you can make this amazing Challah bread and wow your guests this season.

What makes Challah different from other breads?

Challah bread is a braided bread that is often for Sabbath dinners. It’s a long tradition in Hebrew families to make this bread, serve it with wine or grape juice at the start of the Shabbat. They will bless the bread, giving thanks to the Lord, and each family member will take a bit of it and eat.

Often looking like a braid, Challah is a simple yet beautiful eggy bread loaf. Additions such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and even raisins can be added to give Challah various flavors and textures.

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What ingredients do I need for this easy Challah?

The best part of this Challah recipe is that it takes simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. Things like flour, oil, eggs, honey, yeast, and salt. The loaf will be prepared similar to a regular loaf of homemade bread, but with a braiding for the shaping of it.

How do you make a braided Challah?

The technique for this bread is an easy one for beginners. This loaf takes only 4 pieces, where some Challah can take as many as 6 ropes to braid. Here's what you will do to make this basic, easy Challah loaf.

Divide each dough half into fourths.
Roll each piece into a long rope about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 20" long on a well-floured surface.
Pinch the ends of the four ropes together firmly and begin to braid.
To braid, start with the third strand from the left. Gently pass the strand over the 2nd strand and under the 1st strand, like a basic basket weave.
Then, move to the strand all the way to the right and begin weaving over and under each strand until it reaches the left. Repeat with additional strands (about twice) until the bread is braided. Squeeze the ends together and tuck the squeezed ends under the bread.

Can I add additional toppings to this easy Challah?

Sure! After brushing the braided dough with egg whites, you can sprinkle on different toppings. Some ideas to try:

Poppy seeds
Sesame seeds
Brush with garlic butter, and add rosemary

How do I store this Challah Bread?

Challah is best when consumed the same day. However, it won't lose it's flavor or texture if you store it in a bread bag, or wrapped loosely in a zip lock bag on the counter for 2-3 days. This will allow the bread to "breathe" and keep moisture out, which can cause it to get soggy.

Leftovers can be made into French toast, Bread pudding, and even croutons if you'd like!