The Easy Challah Bread recipe is a delicious and traditional Jewish bread that is perfect for any occasion. It is a slightly sweet and eggy bread that has a beautiful golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. This bread is typically braided, giving it a unique and attractive appearance. While making bread from scratch can seem intimidating, this Easy Challah Bread recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers.
One of the great things about this recipe is that it requires just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Flour, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs, and oil are all you need to make this delicious bread. The recipe does require a bit of time and patience, as the dough needs to go through two rounds of rising. However, the hands-on time is minimal, making it a great recipe for busy people or those who are new to breadmaking.
Ingredients
The ingredients for making Easy Challah Bread are:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing the bread)
The first set of ingredients are the dry ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. These ingredients provide the base structure and flavor for the bread.
The second set of ingredients are the wet ingredients, which include eggs, melted butter, warm water, and warm milk. These ingredients help to bind the dry ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
The final ingredient is the beaten egg yolk, which is used to brush the top of the bread before baking. This gives the bread a shiny and golden crust.
Step-by-step Instructions for Easy Challah Bread
To make Easy Challah Bread, follow these simple steps:
- Gather all the necessary ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of warm water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a long rope, about 14 inches in length. Repeat with the other two portions.
- Pinch the ends of the three ropes together, then braid them together, tucking the ends under to seal the loaf.
- Transfer the braided loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash made by whisking together one egg and a tablespoon of water.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Follow these step-by-step instructions for Easy Challah Bread and enjoy a delicious homemade loaf of bread.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Easy Challah Bread
If you’re looking to make easy challah bread that turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips from professional chefs:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Proofing the yeast before adding it to the dough is essential to ensure it’s still alive and will help the bread rise properly.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps give challah bread its characteristic chewy texture.
- Add an extra egg yolk to the dough. This will make the bread richer and more tender.
- Don’t skip the egg wash. Brushing the loaf with an egg wash before baking gives it that beautiful shiny crust that is characteristic of challah bread.
- Consider adding honey to the dough. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps with browning the crust.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious, homemade challah bread that will impress your friends and family.
Reviews
The Easy Challah Bread recipe is absolutely fantastic! As someone who loves to bake, I was excited to try making my own challah bread at home. The recipe was easy to follow, and the result was a soft and flavorful loaf of bread that I couldn’t resist devouring. The dough came together easily, and the braiding process was a fun and enjoyable experience. When the bread came out of the oven, it had a beautiful golden brown crust that was slightly crispy, while the inside was tender and moist. The flavor was incredible, with a subtle sweetness that paired perfectly with a pat of butter or a smear of jam. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking to make delicious homemade challah bread!
I was initially hesitant to try making challah bread as I thought it would be too complicated, but this Easy Challah Bread recipe proved me wrong. The clear instructions made the process simple and straightforward. The dough was easy to work with, and the braiding was surprisingly easy once I got the hang of it. The best part was the aroma that filled my kitchen as the bread baked in the oven. The finished loaf looked as good as it smelled, with a beautiful golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The taste was fantastic, with just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe is definitely a winner, and I can’t wait to make it again!
Wow, this Easy Challah Bread recipe is a game-changer! I never thought I could make such a delicious bread at home. The dough was easy to prepare, and the detailed instructions ensured that I didn’t make any mistakes. The braiding process was a bit challenging at first, but with a little practice, I was able to create a beautiful braided loaf. The bread came out of the oven looking absolutely stunning, with a gorgeous golden crust. But the taste was even better than the appearance. The bread was soft, fluffy, and had a subtle sweetness that made it perfect for breakfast or a snack. I will definitely be making this Easy Challah Bread again and again!
The Easy Challah Bread recipe is absolutely fantastic! I have always been intimidated by baking bread from scratch, but this recipe made it so simple and enjoyable. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the ingredients were all readily available in my kitchen.
The end result was a beautifully golden, perfectly braided loaf of challah bread. The texture was soft and fluffy, with a slightly sweet and buttery flavor. It was the perfect accompaniment to our Shabbat dinner and made the meal feel extra special.
I was particularly impressed with how well the bread held up the next day. It was still moist and delicious, and made for amazing French toast. I received so many compliments from my family and friends, and they were shocked to learn that I had made it myself!
I recently tried out the recipe for Easy Challah Bread and I have to say, it was a game changer for me. As a novice baker, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of making my own bread, but this recipe made it so simple and enjoyable. The result was a delicious, homemade challah bread that tasted just as good as any bakery bought loaf.
One thing that really stood out to me was how easy it was to follow the recipe. The instructions were clear and concise, with detailed steps that made the whole process feel foolproof. From whisking together the ingredients to forming the dough and braiding it, everything was well-explained. Even as a beginner, I felt confident and in control throughout the entire process.
When it came time to bake the bread, the aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely heavenly. The challah bread came out of the oven with a beautiful golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The taste was simply exceptional. It had the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, with a slight hint of saltiness. The bread was also incredibly moist, which made it a joy to eat on its own or to use as a sandwich base.
Overall, I am extremely impressed with the Easy Challah Bread recipe. It has given me the confidence to continue experimenting with bread baking, and I can’t wait to try out different variations of this recipe in the future. If you’re someone who enjoys homemade bread but has been hesitant to try making your own, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly rewarding.
The Easy Challah Bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves baking and delicious bread. As a food enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes, and this one definitely caught my attention. The process was quite simple, even for someone like me who is not the most experienced baker. The ingredients were easy to find, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.
What impressed me the most about this recipe is the flavor and texture of the bread. The challah came out perfectly golden and had a soft and fluffy interior. The crust had a nice crunch to it, which added a delightful contrast to the softness of the bread. It had a slightly sweet taste, which made it perfect for both savory and sweet toppings.
I also appreciated the versatility of this bread. I used it to make sandwiches, French toast, and even bread pudding. The challah held up well and added a delicious richness to all these dishes. The aroma while baking was amazing, and it made my whole kitchen smell wonderful. Plus, the leftovers stayed fresh for a few days, which was a pleasant surprise.
All in all, I would highly recommend the Easy Challah Bread recipe to anyone who loves baking or simply enjoys delicious homemade bread. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and delivers exceptional results. The taste, texture, and versatility of this bread make it a winner in my book. Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
The Easy Challah Bread recipe is absolutely fantastic! As a lover of bread, I’m always on the lookout for new and delicious recipes to try, and this one definitely did not disappoint. The bread turned out beautifully golden and had a delightful softness in every bite.
What I loved most about this recipe is that it truly lives up to its name – it’s easy! The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the ingredients were simple and readily available in my pantry. The dough came together effortlessly, and the rising time was just right. The end result was a gorgeous loaf of challah bread that looked like it came straight from a bakery.
The taste of the bread was incredible. It had a slightly sweet flavor, which was perfectly balanced with a touch of saltiness. The texture was light and fluffy, with a wonderful chewy crust. It was great on its own, but it also made for amazing toast and sandwiches. Plus, the aroma that filled my kitchen as it baked was absolutely heavenly.
I highly recommend the Easy Challah Bread recipe to anyone looking to try their hand at homemade bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a true winner in terms of taste, texture, and ease of preparation. I will definitely be making this bread again and again!
