Challah(Jewish New Year Bread)
A soft, fluffy Jewish bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for celebrating Rosh Hashanah or special occasions, featuring a beautiful braided shape and sesame seed topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir yeast to dissolve, then let stand until doubled in size.
- Add egg, melted butter or margarine, and salt to the yeast mixture; whisk until well blended.
- Whisk in 1 cup of flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in the remaining flour to make a soft dough, about 1 1/2 cups more.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface, using additional flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; turn to coat, then cover and let rise for 40 minutes.
- Punch down the dough; divide into 3 equal balls, roll each into ropes, and braid them together.
- Tuck the ends of the braid under to form a neat loaf.
- Place the braided dough on a greased baking pan.
- Let rise, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top with the beaten egg yolk mixed with cold water.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using honey instead of sugar. If you want a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it doesn’t bubble after 10 minutes, it’s likely inactive. When kneading, aim for a soft, elastic dough that isn’t too sticky.
Serving Suggestions
Challah is perfect for French toast or can be enjoyed with honey or jam. It pairs beautifully with a hearty soup like Portuguese Chicken Saute or can be served alongside a fresh salad. For a festive touch, serve it during Jewish holidays or special gatherings as a centerpiece bread. Consider slicing it for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover challah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Challah(Jewish New Year Bread) contains roughly 716 calories, with 16g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 in advance. After the first rise, shape the braids, cover them well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This can enhance the flavor as it ferments slowly in the fridge.
What can I use instead of sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can substitute poppy seeds or omit them entirely. For a sweet twist, brush the top with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking. Alternatively, some enjoy using seeds like flax or sunflower for added texture and flavor.
Why did my challah not rise properly?
If your challah didn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet, and perform a quick test by dissolving it in warm water with sugar; it should foam within 10 minutes. Also, ensure your dough is in a warm, draft-free area during rising.
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).