Best Ever Challah
A rich, slightly sweet challah with a soft texture and golden crust, perfect for special occasions or a comforting bread for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the lukewarm water and dry yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 2 cups bread flour, 1 cup regular flour, and 1 cup sugar to the yeast mixture.
- Stir with a fork and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, measure 4 cups bread flour, 1 cup regular flour, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Add the margarine and cut it into the flour mixture with a knife until it resembles coarse meal.
- After the yeast mixture has risen, add 4 beaten eggs to it.
- Add the flour, margarine mixture, and raisins (if using) to the yeast mixture in the bowl.
- Use a bread hook to knead until all the flour is incorporated.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly. If you don’t have parve margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. You can also add a bit of honey for extra sweetness or mix in some spices like cinnamon for a unique flavor twist. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for a perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Challah is delightful on its own or served with butter, honey, or jam. It pairs beautifully with Kugel(Noodle Pudding) and is perfect for French toast or bread pudding. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a hearty soup for a complete meal, making it versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover challah, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze it. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a low oven or toast slices directly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Challah contains roughly 1497 calories, with 33g protein, 323g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious challah. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency as you knead.
How can I tell if the yeast is active?
To check if your yeast is active, mix it with lukewarm water and a bit of sugar. If it bubbles and foams after about 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use. If not, your yeast may be expired, and it’s best to start over.
Can I add fillings like chocolate or nuts?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough after the first rise. Just fold them in gently during the kneading process to avoid overworking the dough and ensure an even distribution.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).