Homemade Challah Bread

Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Add 4 1/2 teaspoons of yeast to a bowl.
  2. 2Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the bowl.
  3. 3Add 2 cups of warm water to the bowl (not hot, not cold, just warm).
  4. 4Mix the ingredients well.
  5. 5Leave the mixture to activate for about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Transfer the activated yeast mixture to a mixing bowl (if using an electric mixer).
  7. 7Add half a cup of oil to the mixing bowl.
  8. 8Add 1 cup of sugar to the mixing bowl.
  9. 9Add 2 beaten eggs to the mixing bowl.
  10. 10Add half a teaspoon of salt to the mixing bowl.
  11. 11Mix the ingredients really well.
  12. 12Add 6 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixing bowl.
  13. 13Attach the mixing bowl to the electric mixer with a dough hook.
  14. 14Knead the dough in the electric mixer for about 5 minutes.
  15. 15Remove the sticky dough from the bowl, using a little flour on your hands to guide it out.
  16. 16Place the dough ball into a second greased bowl.
  17. 17Cover the bowl with a red towel and leave on the counter for about an hour to rise.
  18. 18Divide the dough into balls for braiding (e.g., three balls per bread for a braided loaf, needing 12 balls for four mini loaves).
  19. 19Roll out each dough ball into a long strand.
  20. 20Braid three strands together to form a challah loaf.
  21. 21Place the braided loaves on baking trays lined with parchment paper.
  22. 22Let the challah bread sit on the baking trays for about 20-30 minutes for a second rise.
  23. 23Brush the loaves with an egg wash (egg with a splash of milk).
  24. 24Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the loaves (optional).
  25. 25Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  26. 26Bake the challah bread for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned to your liking.
  27. 27Serve warm with butter.

Ingredients

  • 4.5 teaspoons yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 0.5 cup oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 6.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg wash with a splash of milk
  • sesame seeds

Equipment

bowlwhiskelectric mixermixing bowlgreased bowlred towelbaking traysbaking brushoven

Tips

  • The dough is very sticky, so use flour on your hands to guide the dough ball out of the mixer.
  • You can make one massive loaf, two medium loaves, or mini loaves based on your preference.
  • Let the braided challah bread sit on the baking trays for about 20-30 minutes for a second rise.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, depending on how brown you like the bottoms.