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Homemade Challah Bread with a 6 Stranded Braid
Learn how to make Homemade Challah Bread. This easy-to-make version of the traditional Jewish bread is soft and sweet and perfect for eating plain or serving up as the most amazing french toast.
Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 2 loaves
Calories: 2419 kcal
Course:
Bread
Cuisine:
Israeli
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8-9 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water egg wash
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
- ***You know how bread recipes call for a range of flour? For instance, this recipe calls for 8-9 cups. How do you know how much to do? And why can't they just tell you exactly what to put it in? Well, the actual amount you need depends on a variety of factors including the weather and humidity in your house. One day I may only need 8 cups while the next I may need 9. Crazy, huh? Always start out on the low end and add a little more if you find your dough to be too sticky so that it can't form a 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
(20%)
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: 2loaves
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.