Best 3 Shabbat Challah Recipes

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In the realm of Jewish cuisine, the Shabbat challah reigns supreme as the symbol of unity, comfort, and tradition. This braided egg bread, a staple of the weekly Shabbat dinner, holds a special place in Jewish culture and is a beloved delicacy enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

With its golden crust, soft and fluffy interior, and a hint of sweetness, the Shabbat challah is a true delight for the senses. Traditionally baked in a distinctive braided form, it represents the interconnectedness of community and the coming together of family and friends. The aroma of freshly baked challah wafting through the air is synonymous with warmth, love, and the anticipation of a joyous Shabbat gathering.

In this article, we present a collection of Shabbat challah recipes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From the classic egg challah to variations like the honey challah, the whole wheat challah, and the vegan challah, each recipe offers a unique take on this timeless bread. We also include a gluten-free challah recipe for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cherished tradition.

These recipes provide step-by-step instructions, making the challah-baking process accessible to both experienced bakers and beginners alike. With detailed explanations, helpful tips, and beautiful photographs, we guide you through the art of creating this iconic bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a novice eager to try your hand at this culinary masterpiece, you'll find everything you need in this comprehensive guide.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delicious journey as we explore the world of Shabbat challah.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SHABBAT CHALLAH



Shabbat Challah image

My Shabbat Challah is something out of this world. I made it up on my own, because the ones I tasted, I just didn't like. Try it you will love it!! This can make 6 regular sized loaves, or two large braided loaves.

Provided by NUNU123182

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Egg     Challah Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons active dry yeast
4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons salt
½ cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
12 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon vanilla sugar, or vanilla extract
¼ cup sesame seeds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve the yeast. Stir in the salt, sugar, oil and 4 eggs until well blended. Gradually mix in the flour. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Place dough underneath the bowl to rise until double. Or, you can place the dough in the bowl, and cover with a towel.
  • Punch down the dough, and divide into 6 or 8 even pieces depending on what shape you want. Remember to take a small piece off and make a blessing (Jewish law). Roll the pieces into ropes. Braid into two loaves, or one really big 6 piece braid - but only if your oven is large enough. Or, you can make the spiral shape challahs out of each rope. Tuck the ends under, and place on a baking sheet to rise until your finger leaves a small dent when you gently poke the bread.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Whisk together the remaining egg, water and vanilla sugar. Brush over the tops of the loaves. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bread is deep golden brown. Wrap the small piece of dough that was blessed in aluminum foil, and burn in the oven as an offering while the other loaves are baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21.2 g, Cholesterol 15.5 mg, Fat 4.6 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 239.7 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

CHALLAH SHABBAT/SHABBOS BREAD RECIPE



Challah Shabbat/Shabbos Bread Recipe image

This is the perfect kosher bread recipe, perfect for your Friday night meal with the family. It also makes really good French toast. You will fight for the last piece. I guarentee you. This a recipe passed

Provided by Jon Chef Blizardry

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F.)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg (graded large)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon water
sesame (optional) or poppy seed (optional)

Steps:

  • Into large bowl, measure 2 cups of the flour. Set aside. Into a blender jar,.
  • Pour the water, yeast, and remaining cup of flour. Cover and blend at low speed. Uncover and continue blending while adding the oil, sugar, large egg, and salt. Blend until mixture is smooth.
  • Pour batter over the reserved flour. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until a ball of dough forms. Place in a lightly greased bowl turning to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm draft-free place for 1 ½ hours or until doubled in bulk. Stir down.
  • Shape the dough into challas, braided or unbraided. To shape into 2 small braided challas, divide the dough in half. Divide each part into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a long coil of even thickness. Pinch together the tops of all 3 pieces. Start to braid by taking the outer right strip and crossing it over the center strip, bringing it to the center. Then take the outer left strip and cross it over the middle strip, bringing it to the center.
  • Repeat the procedure by alternately bringing the right strip to the center until all are braided. Pinch the ends together. Tuck the ends in carefully. Transfer the bread to a greased loaf pan, 9 5/8 x 5 ½ x 2 ¾ inches. Repeat with remaining dough. If you choose to make one large challah, use a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
  • For a round challah, shape the dough round with your cupped hands. Place in greased 9-inch pan (round).
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Beat the remaining egg with the tablespoon of water just to blend. Brush the top of the breads with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake for about 40 minutes, until breads are well browned and sound hollowed when tapped with knife handle or spoon. Remove to racks to cool.

BREAD MACHINE CHALLAH FOR SHABBAT AND FESTIVALS



Bread Machine Challah for Shabbat and Festivals image

A perfect recipe for arthritic hands that can't knead dough easily anymore! Recipe is written for a bread machine that makes 1.5 pound (700 gram) loaves. NOTE: Do NOT bake this dough in the machine. Use only the dough/pasta setting. There is too much fully-risen dough for the machine to accommodate.

Provided by Tzipporah Hoffmitz

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Egg     Challah Recipes

Time 3h50m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
¼ cup pareve margarine
1 egg
3 cups bread flour
2 ¼ teaspoons bread machine yeast
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place the warm water, salt, sugar, margarine, egg, bread flour, and yeast in the pan of a bread machine in that order, set the machine to the dough setting, and start the machine.
  • When the dough cycle of the machine is finished, place the dough on a floured surface. Divide the dough into 3 pieces, and roll them into ropes about the thickness of your thumb and about 12 inches long. Ropes should be fatter in the middle and thinner at the ends. Pinch 3 ropes together at the top and braid them. Starting with the strand to the right, move it to the left over the middle strand (that strand becomes the new middle strand.) Take the strand farthest to the left, and move it over the new middle strand. Continue braiding, alternating sides each time, until the loaf is braided, and pinch the ends together and fold them underneath for a neat look.
  • Grease a baking sheet, or line with parchment paper, and place the braided challah on the prepared sheet. Cover the loaf with a plastic bag to prevent drying out, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Whisk together 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of water, and vanilla in a small bowl, and brush the glaze on the challah. Sprinkle with optional toppings (see footnote).
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215.2 calories, Carbohydrate 32.8 g, Cholesterol 37.2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 417.4 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

Tips:

  • Activate the Yeast Properly: Ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F (40°C and 46°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly the yeast, to achieve the best results.
  • Knead the Dough Thoroughly: Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, resulting in a smooth and elastic texture.
  • Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: Choose a warm spot in the kitchen or use a proofing box to help the dough rise properly.
  • Egg Wash for a Golden Crust: Before baking, brush the challah with an egg wash made from one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water for a glossy, golden crust.
  • Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake the challah at the recommended temperature and keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.

Conclusion:

Creating a delicious and visually appealing Shabbat challah requires careful attention to detail and the use of quality ingredients. By following these recipes and incorporating the provided tips, you can impress your family and friends with a homemade challah that embodies the essence of this special occasion. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out exactly as expected. Keep refining your technique, and soon you'll be able to consistently produce a perfect Shabbat challah that will become a cherished tradition in your home.

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