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Freshly baked homemade Challah braided bread
Soft and sweet homemade braided bread

Golden Braided Challah Bread

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
Challah is more than just braided bread; it is the taste of celebration. Its rich, eggy dough reminds one of brioche, but the traditional recipe uses oil instead of butter (making it pareve). The braiding isn't just aesthetic: the weaving symbolizes love and unity. While baking, the sweet scent of yeast dough fills the home, instantly creating a sense of belonging.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 3 hrs
🍽️ Servings 6 servings
🔥 Calories 266 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Middle Eastern / Jewish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking sheet with parchment
  • Cooling rack

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Egg
⚠️ Sesame

Instructions

1 ✓

Bloom yeast in warm water with 1 tsp sugar. Wait 10 mins.

Tip: Water should be hand-warm.
2 ✓

Mix flour, remaining sugar, salt. Make well, add 2 eggs, oil, and yeast water.

Tip: Sugar/fat need strong yeast.
3 ✓

Knead 10 mins until shiny and elastic.

Tip: Develops the gluten strands.
4 ✓

Place in oiled bowl, coat dough, rise 1.5 hours.

Tip: Oil prevents drying skin.
5 ✓

Divide for 3 or 6 strand braid. Roll ropes.

Tip: If dough snaps back, rest 5 mins.
6 ✓

Braid loosely. Tuck ends under.

Tip: Loose braid allows expansion.
7 ✓

Rise again on tray 30-40 mins.

Tip: Doubled in size, dent springs back slowly.
8 ✓

Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Egg wash and seed.

Tip: Egg white = shine, Yolk = color.
9 ✓

Bake 25-30 mins deep golden.

Tip: Cool fully before slicing.

Recipe FAQ

Why did it crack along the braid?
Likely overproofed during the second rise or braided too tightly. Braid loosely!
Top is dark, inside is raw.
Sugary, eggy dough browns fast. Tent with foil halfway through if browning too quickly.
Bread is dry.
Too much flour during kneading. Dough should be tacky, not hard.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup Warm Water (plus 1 tbsp)
  • 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (approx. 2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 3 1/2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temp)
  • 1 large Egg (for wash)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame or Poppy Seeds