Classic Challah
Directions
- 1Combine the flour with the rest of the dough ingredients and knead until you have a soft, smooth dough.
- 2Allow the dough to rise in a plastic wrap-covered bowl for about 2 hours, or until it's puffy.
- 3Gently deflate the dough and transfer to a lightly greased work surface.
- 4Divide the dough into pieces based on the desired braid type and roll each into a 20-inch rope.
- 5Braid the loaf and place it on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 6Cover with greased plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until very puffy.
- 7Whisk the reserved egg white with water, brush over the loaf, and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.
- 8Bake in the upper third of the oven preheated to 375°F until the loaf is deep golden brown and reaches 190°F internal temperature.
Ingredients
- 4 to 4 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 6 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 tsp table salt
- 4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp cold water
- poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)
