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homemade Challah Bread

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This homemade challah bread is a soft, fluffy braided loaf with a beautiful golden crust and a slightly sweet flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this traditional enriched bread is perfect for family meals, holidays, sandwiches, or French toast. With its tender texture and classic braid, this easy challah recipe creates a bakery-style loaf that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.

  • Add the eggs and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.

  • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

  • Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.

  • Roll each portion into a long rope.

  • Braid the ropes together and tuck the ends underneath to form a loaf.

  • Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and allow it to rise again for 30–40 minutes.

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if desired.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

  • Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) water to properly activate the yeast.Kneading the dough well helps develop gluten, giving the bread its soft, fluffy texture.For a deeper golden color, apply two layers of egg wash before baking.Challah is excellent for French toast, sandwiches, or bread pudding.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/homemade-challah-bread/