Challah
A soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet braided bread with rich buttery flavor, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or as a special breakfast treat, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water with 2 tablespoons sugar. Cover and let stand in a warm place until foamy.
- Place butter in a mixing bowl with salt and boiling water. Stir until melted.
- Add oil, sugar, and honey to the mixture and stir well.
- Add 6 eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Mix at low speed until combined.
- Add yeast mixture and 4 cups of flour. Mix well.
- Add remaining flour gradually and knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Continue adding flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a buttered bowl, turn to coat with butter, then cover.
- Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air.
- Let rise again for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of water for dissolving the yeast. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought challah dough as a convenient substitute. Make sure your butter is soft for easy mixing, and keep your flour in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Challah is perfect for breakfast, served with butter and jam or used for French toast. It also pairs beautifully with Poppy Seed French Bread at brunch. For a festive touch, braid the dough with raisins or chocolate chips. Enjoy it alongside soups or salads for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover challah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Challah contains roughly 3305 calories, with 53g protein, 377g carbohydrates, and 176g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (123% of the Daily Value), protein (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2821mg per serving (123% 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 make challah ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, shape it, and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This method can enhance the flavor and texture of your challah.
Why did my challah not rise properly?
Insufficient yeast activation or cold temperatures can hinder rising. Ensure your yeast is fresh and dissolved in warm water, and let the dough rise in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm atmosphere.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or chocolate to the dough?
Absolutely! You can fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit during the mixing process. Just be mindful of the dough's consistency, as adding too many extras can affect its texture. This customization can make your challah even more delightful.
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).