Jill'S Challah *
A soft, sweet, and flavorful challah bread with a slightly honeyed taste, perfect for special occasions or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine yeast, salt, honey, and hot water in a bowl and stir.
- Add 2 cups of flour, oil, and eggs to the mixture.
- Start adding additional flour gradually.
- Use approximately 6 cups of flour in total.
- Keep adding flour and knead until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Put the dough into an oiled bowl.
- Cover and leave in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Remove from the bowl, punch down the dough, and divide into sections for braiding.
- Braid into one large or two smaller challahs.
- Allow the braided challah to double in size.
- Brush with beaten egg yolks thinned with one tablespoon of water.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider replacing some of the honey with brown sugar. Ensure your water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; it should feel warm to the touch. If you find the dough too sticky, add flour gradually until it reaches the desired consistency. For a unique twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Challah can be served warm with butter or used for French toast, making it a versatile addition to any breakfast table. It pairs beautifully with Carrot Patties or can be enjoyed alongside a hearty soup. For a festive touch, serve it as part of a holiday meal or alongside Scandinavian Rice Cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
After baking, allow the challah to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jill'S Challah * contains roughly 828 calories, with 8g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you'll need to activate it first. Dissolve it in the hot water with the honey and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before proceeding with the recipe.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proof it before using. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer location, such as an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
Can I make challah without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free challah by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. The texture may vary, but it will still yield a delicious loaf.
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).