5 from 24 votes
Homemade Challah Bread with a 6 Stranded Braid
Homemade Challah Bread with a 6 Stranded Braid features a rich, slightly sweet dough made with honey, eggs, and vegetable oil. The dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, then braided into an intricate six-strand loaf before baking. This method results in a soft bread with a tender crumb and a shiny golden crust, thanks to an egg wash before baking. The recipe accounts for varying flour amounts due to humidity, ensuring that the dough remains pliable and slightly sticky for the best texture.
Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
2
loaves
Calories:
2419 kcal
Course:
Bread
Cuisine:
Israeli
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups water warm
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 egg
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8-9 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg egg wash, + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, honey, vegetable oil, eggs, and salt. Add in the flour 1 cup at a time, mixing on a low speed in between. Mix until well combined and the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it is still sticking to the side of the bowl. The dough will be slightly sticky (you don't want a stiff dough), but it should be able to form a ball in the mixer.
- Place the dough into a bowl that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
- Divide the dough into two loaves. For each loaf, divide the dough into 6 balls and roll into strands about 12 to 15 inches long (or 3 if you want to do a normal braid). Pinch the strands together at one end and braid (see video) Once you reach the end of the strands pinch them together. Repeat with the other loaf.
- Place the braided loaves on a baking sheet covered with nonstick cooking spray. Let rise 1 hour.
- In a small bowl whisk together the 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water. Brush it over the loaves. This is called an egg wash.
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Adjust the flour amount between 8 to 9 cups based on your kitchen's humidity and dough stickiness.
- Start with less flour and add gradually until the dough forms a slightly sticky but manageable ball.
Nutrition Information
Calories
2419kcal
(121%)
Carbohydrates
452g
(151%)
Protein
61g
(122%)
Fat
39g
(60%)
Saturated Fat
25g
(125%)
Cholesterol
245mg
(82%)
Sodium
3611mg
(150%)
Potassium
689mg
(15%)
Fiber
14g
(56%)
Sugar
71g
(142%)
Vitamin A
355IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
0.4mg
(0%)
Calcium
126mg
(13%)
Iron
24.7mg
(137%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 loaves
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2419
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 2419kcal | 121% |
| Carbohydrates | 452g | 151% |
| Protein | 61g | 122% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Cholesterol | 245mg | 82% |
| Sodium | 3611mg | 150% |
| Potassium | 689mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 71g | 142% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 126mg | 13% |
| Iron | 24.7mg | 137% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.