Challah, a traditional Jewish egg bread, is a delectable delight often served on special occasions and holidays. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, where it was a symbol of celebration and community. This versatile bread features a golden-brown crust, a soft and fluffy interior, and a slightly sweet flavor. Its unique braided shape not only adds visual appeal but also allows for easy tearing and sharing. Bakers of all skill levels can rejoice, as this article presents a collection of mouthwatering challah recipes, ranging from classic to creative variations. From the basic egg bread recipe to those infused with unique flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, or even savory herbs, this comprehensive guide offers a recipe for every palate. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making journey, these recipes will guide you through the process of creating perfect challah.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHALLAH I (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
I bake challah every week for our Sabbath meal. It's so easy to make in a KitchenAid mixer. Challah tastes great in French Toast or Cinnamon Toast recipes. This challah recipe is my kid's favorite.
Provided by CardaMom
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 40m
Yield 1 large challah
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup water in bowl of mixer. Sprinkle yeast over water and mix,let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the next 6 ingredients to mixing bowl. Mix with dough hook for 6 minutes. Dough should be a little sticky.
- Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk.
- Punch down dough. Let rise again until double in bulk.
- Punch down again. Divide dough into 3 equal parts.
- Roll dough into three long strands. Braid the strands, tucking ends under. Cover with towel and let double in bulk.
- Brush with beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle with seeds. Bake at 400 F for approximately 30 minutes, until golden brown. The challah is done when it sounds hollow when thumped on the bottom.
CHALLAH (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
Challah bread is one of the most satisfying things I make. I usually knead it in my Kenwood mixer, but there's nothing like kneading by hand to help relieve stress.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Breads
Time 4h
Yield 4 medium challahs
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Mix together 2 1/2 cups flour with the sugar (honey), salt and yeast.
- There is no need to dissolve the yeast first.
- Add the water and oil.
- Mix in 4 eggs.
- Beat in another 1 1/2 cups of flour very well.
- Add 4-5 cups of flour, until a very soft dough is formed.
- Knead for about 10 minutes.
- If using the dough hook, knead for about 7 minutes.
- Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Alternately, let rise in the refrigerator overnight and then let warm to room temperature for about 1 or 2 hours.
- Decide how many challahs you want, how many strands you want to braid in each.
- Make a dough ball for each strand; roll them into ropes and braid.
- Let rise covered for 1/2-1 hour.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush on the challah.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325 F (150 C) for 30 minutes.
- Apply egg wash once more and bake for another 30 minutes at 350 F (175 C).
- This dough is enough for 4 medium sized challahs.
- You can really let your imagination run rampant here, making intricate braids, placing the braids in a loaf pan, even then winding them into a circle.
- You can add about 1/4 cup of raisins to the dough, but we leave them out.
RICH CHALLAH (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
Many Challah breads either have too many eggs or just not enough. This recipe has just the right amount, about 1 egg per cup of flour. This recipe can also be done on the dough cycle in your bread machine and finished by hand. Best of all it makes THE BEST French toast! Cooking time does not include rising time.
Provided by QueenBof6
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 50m
Yield 1 LARGE LOAF, 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In bread machine add to bread pan in order suggested by manufacturer, select dough setting, press start.
- After beep, remove risen dough and follow directions on how to shape and bake below.
- In Kitchen-aid stand mixer or like devise mix dry ingredients in bowl and turn on low speed to incorporate.
- Add eggs one at a time, allow to mix in before adding next one, then add oil.
- Turn mixer up to next speed (2 on Kitchen-aid), add milk in a slow stream, knead until soft, smooth, and warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Grease a bowl and place dough in bowl turning to coat.
- Allow to rest and rise until double in size.
- ***Shaping and baking***.
- Punch down and turn out risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface, let rest 5 minutes, punching dough down gets it all excited, it needs to sit and relax.
- Shape dough into a log and cut off 1/3; set aside.
- Cut remaining dough into 3 pieces and roll into 18 inch ropes, start braid from middle and braid to one end, pinch together and tuck under, repeat with other side.
- Cut set aside dough into 3 pieces and roll out to 13-15 inches long, repeat braiding method and place smaller braid on top of larger braid.
- Grease a large 1/2 sheet baking sheet and place finished braid sideways from corner to corner.
- Allow to rise until almost double, mix glaze ingredients and brush loaf gently.
- Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes, cover loosely with foil 15-20 minutes into baking to avoid over browning.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.9, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 76.5, Sodium 255.9, Carbohydrate 34.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 4.9, Protein 6.2
Tips for the Best Challah:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh yeast, bread flour, and unsalted butter will give you the best results.
- Activate the yeast properly. Follow the instructions on your yeast packet to ensure that it is activated correctly. If you're using active dry yeast, you'll need to bloom it in warm water with a little sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the challah its characteristic chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. This will allow the yeast to multiply and the dough to double in size.
- Braid the dough and let it rise again. This will give the challah its signature shape and allow it to rise one last time before baking.
- Bake the challah until it is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure that it doesn't overcook.
Conclusion:
Challah is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just eating on its own. With a little practice, you'll be able to make a challah that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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