Description

This soft and buttery challah bread is a beautiful homemade loaf with a rich golden crust, fluffy braided texture, and lightly sweet flavor that makes it perfect for breakfast ideas, easy brunch tables, holiday baking, and comforting food ideas. Whether you need an easy recipe for a quick breakfast side, a make-ahead bread for dinner ideas, or a tender loaf for French toast and sandwiches, this challah bread brings bakery-style results right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 large egg, for egg wash

1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add the eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, and salt, then mix until combined.

3. Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal.

7. Transfer the braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.

8. Whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon water, then brush the loaf all over with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

9. Bake at 350°F for 28 to 35 minutes until deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use warm water, not hot water, so the yeast activates properly without being damaged.

Add flour gradually so the dough stays soft and does not become dry or heavy.

Let the loaf cool before slicing so the inside finishes setting and stays fluffy.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 230
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg