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Best Challah Bread Recipe

Best Challah Bread Recipe

Traditional braided challah bread with a soft, slightly sweet crumb.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour plus more if needed
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm water about 105–110°F
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • Egg Wash:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds

Instructions
 

  • Activate yeast in warm water.
  • Mix dough ingredients and knead.
  • Let dough rise until doubled.
  • Divide, braid, and rise again.
  • Brush with egg wash and bake.

Notes

  • Use warm—not hot—water
  • Don’t over-flour the dough
  • Egg wash gives a golden crust
  • Excellent for French toast