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Home » Recipes » Sweet Bread Recipes

Easy Challah Recipe

Published: Feb 26, 2020 · Modified: Aug 19, 2024 by Emma Fajcz · As an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Making challah bread is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort - especially when it doesn't last long! This easy recipe will make a challah bread that your family will want on repeat.

Looking for other delicious sweet breads? Try our cinnamon babka and honey cookies.

person tearing a challah loaf in half
Jump to:
  • About
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Easy Challah Bread
  • Braiding
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serve
  • Expert Tips
  • Other Sweet Breads You'll Love
  • Recipe
  • Comments

About

Challah is an enriched Jewish bread that’s traditionally braided and served on the Sabbath.  Many things about the loaf are symbolic; for example, the braids represent love and unity.  Its exact origins are unclear, but most people agree that the modern version started in Eastern Europe during the fifteenth century.

Want to know how to prounounce challah? It's pronounced like “halla,” kind of like the first part of “hallelujah.”

Leftover challah can be used in several creative and delicious ways, such as French toast or bread pudding. If you shape the challah dough into dinner rolls instead of a braided loaf, it would taste fabulous in these ham and cheese sliders!

Why This Recipe Works

  • It's made with bread flour. All-purpose flour lacks the protein content necessary to make a high-rising, fluffy challah.
  • It's made with traditional ingredients. Challah doesn't contain dairy, which according to Jewish dietary laws, this means it can be served with a meal containing meat if desired. The use of honey and olive oil as the sweetener and fat in the dough is also traditional.
  • The dough is kneaded properly. Making sure that it passes the windowpane test ensures the dough has proper gluten development for a good rise and crumb structure. (See the recipe card to learn this technique.)
  • It won't burn while baking. Stacking the tray with the challah on another tray insulates the base, and covering it with foil near the end of the bake keeps the crust from getting too dark.

Ingredients

glass bowls of ingredients for challah bread

Fortunately, challah uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let's talk about the key ingredients you'll need.

  • Bread Flour: This type of flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose, creating more gluten in the dough. This gives the bread a higher rise and fluffier texture.
  • Yeast: Use fast-action (aka instant) yeast so you can skip the 10-minute proofing of the yeast in warm water and sugar, but you can use active dry if you like.
  • Honey: This dough isn't sweetened with white sugar, but with honey. It's the traditional choice, and also adds extra moisture.
  • Olive Oil: Traditional challah doesn't contain dairy, so we're using olive oil as the fat in the dough. Choose a mild flavored oil that won't overwhelm the taste.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Different Braiding Styles: Watch how to braid a 3-9 strand loaf, or how to braid a round loaf for Rosh Hashanah.
  • Seeds: Add poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on the outside of the bread for a crunchy finish.
  • Sweet: Add dried fruit, like raisins, mixed peel, or candied grapefruit peel.
  • Saffron: Infuse 1 teaspoon of saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of boiling water for at least 30 minutes, then add the liquid to the dough to color it bright yellow.
  • Savory: Cut the honey in half and add a savory filling to the dough, such as jalapeños, cheese, garlic, or spicy sausage. Experiment with savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano as well.

How to Make Easy Challah Bread

Gather the ingredients for the challah.

bowl of flour, salt, and yeast with wet ingredients mixed in
  1. Pour the flour into a mixing bowl and add the salt and yeast on opposite sides of the bowl.  Stir each one in with your finger. (image 1)
  2. Add the eggs, honey, and olive oil. Mix with the paddle attachment on low speed until blended, then gradually trickle in the water while the mixer is running until a sticky dough has formed. (image 2)
kneaded and risen bread dough in a bowl
  1. Knead by hand or with the hook (affiliate) on medium low speed. The dough is kneaded sufficiently when it's beautifully smooth and silky.  You'll probably have to add a little flour as you knead to get it smooth.  It also should pass the windowpane test.  (See the recipe card for a description of this process.) (image 3)
  2. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 ½ to 2 hours.  If you lightly smack the top, it should fall back. (image 4)
ropes of dough being braided on a cutting board
  1. Punch down the dough to remove large air pockets, then divide into five equal pieces with a bench scraper (affiliate).   Weigh each piece on a kitchen scale (affiliate) to make sure they're around the same size.

    Roll each piece into a rope roughly 20 inches long.  If the ropes are not rolling out easily, let them sit for a minute or two to relax the gluten, then try again.  Aim to get all 5 pieces the same length and thickness.
  2. Braid the challah as desired. (See the "Braiding" section of the post for a visual demonstration of a four-strand braid.) You can choose a 4-strand braid like I used for Finnish pulla bread and everything bagel bread, or you can try a creative stacked braiding technique as used in Czech vánočka.
braided challah loaf on a cutting board and a baking tray
  1. Tuck the ends of the braid under the loaf. (image 7)
  2. Place the braid on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until nearly doubled in size and springy to the touch, about 1 hour.  Brush the loaf with a mixture of egg yolk and water. (image 8)
baked challah loaf being torn open
  1. Stack the baking tray on top of another cookie sheet to insulate the base and prevent it from burning.  Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the loaf has an internal temperature of 190°F with a meat thermometer (affiliate).  Cover with foil after 10 minutes if it's getting too dark. (image 9)
  2. Let the challah bread cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Tear the challah, and enjoy! (image 10)

Braiding

Braiding challah can be as simple or as complicated as you like!  Here is a simple 5-strand braid, demonstrated in the photos below.

  • Divide the dough into 5 pieces, then roll each one into a 20-inch rope. Make sure all the ropes are the same length.
  • Lay the ropes beside each other. Divide them into one group of 2 strands and another group of 3 strands, keeping the strands touching at the top.
  • Cross the 5th strand over and lay it beside the 2nd . Next, cross the 1st strand over and lay it beside the 4th strand.  Repeat until the whole loaf is braided.
  • Tuck the excess under the ends.
three steps for braiding challah

If you want to try another style of braid, here's how to braid a 3-9 strand loaf, and here's how to braid a round loaf for Rosh Hashanah.

Recipe FAQs

Why is it round for Rosh Hashanah?

The round loaf made for Rosh Hashanah is shaped to look like a turban and represents the cycle of the new year. Watch this video to learn how to braid a round challah.

What is the difference between brioche and challah?

Most brioche recipes contain butter and milk, while challah contains no dairy products so it can be kosher. (Jewish dietary laws forbid eating meat and dairy products in the same meal.) Egg bread is an alternate name for this enriched dough.

Is challah healthy?

Challah is made with olive oil instead of butter, and contains eggs, which increase the protein. You can make it healthier by substituting part of the bread flour for whole wheat flour; just realize that it will make the bread denser and more earthy tasting. Scroll down to the bottom of the recipe to read the nutrition facts.

Why is challah braided?

The braids represent love and unity. The number of strands in each braid also has symbolism: for example, a three-strand braid represents three commandments God gave regarding the Sabbath. A twelve-strand braid represents the twelve tribes of Israel.

How do you store challah?

Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Shape and bake the next day. Fully baked challah can keep at room temperature for a few days, but it tastes the freshest within 24 hours after baking.

Freezing: Store slices or chunks in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to 1 month; whole loaves should keep for 2 months.  (If you’re freezing an entire loaf, use an extra-large freezer bag.)

Defrost it by letting it sit at room temperature for 5 hours or so. Don’t refrigerate the bread, as it will go stale very quickly in the fridge. It’s not recommended to freeze unbaked dough. It won’t rise as high as freshly made.

Reheating: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or burning, then bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warm. To warm up individual slices or chunks, microwave on high for 10-20 seconds, until desired temperature is reached.

Serve

Traditionally, Jews serve challah on Friday evening (Shabbat). They cover two loaves with a special cloth, representing the dew that covered the manna God provided for the children of Israel during their desert wanderings.  A blessing is recited over a cup of wine, then each person washes their hands.  The cloth is removed, a nick is made in the bread, and the loaves are held up and blessed.

Then, the bread is either torn or sliced, depending on rabbinic tradition.  (Not using a knife reminds us to keep the Sabbath peaceful and also brings to mind when God stopped Abraham from killing his son, Isaac, with a knife.)  Salt is traditionally served with the bread to remind the partakers of the Temple offerings.

Looking for other Jewish treats to serve? You'll want to try these honey cookies and this chocolate chip mandel bread!

Want to make other traditional holiday breads? You'll want to try our recipes for Czech vánočka, Mexican rosca de reyes, Spanish roscón de reyes, Italian panettone, Venezuelan pan de jamón, and American Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.

tearing a piece of challah bread off of the loaf.

Expert Tips

  • Use bread flour for the best results.  It really makes a difference how your bread rises, and it makes it fluffier!
  • Weigh the solid ingredients for an accurate measurement. Otherwise, you may get too much flour or other ingredient, throwing off the ratios.
  • Don't stretch the ropes of dough as you braid them.  This will make the loaf fat at one end and skinny on the other.
  • Why is it dense?  The loaf probably didn't rise enough before it was baked, resulting in a dense, doughy texture.  Next time, let it rise until springy to the touch and almost doubled in size before baking.
  • Why is it dry?  The loaf was most likely baked too long.  Sometimes, it's hard to tell when a loaf is fully cooked, so use a meat thermometer.  Poke it into the thickest part of the bread and wait a few seconds.  It should read 190°F when the loaf is fully baked.

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Recipe

loaf of challah bread on a wire rack

Easy Challah Bread

Learn how to make easy challah bread with this delicious recipe.  This soft, sweet bread is made with honey and olive oil.  It’s surprisingly simple to braid the 5 strands of challah dough into a stunning centerpiece for an Easter brunch or a Jewish Sabbath meal!
5 from 59 votes
Print Pin FavoriteSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Jewish
Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Inactive Time: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 152kcal
Author: Brooke & Emma

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 3 teaspoons fast-action yeast
  • 2 teaspoons fine salt
  • 5 tablespoons liquid honey
  • ⅓ cup light-tasting olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 1 large egg yolk, for glazing

Equipment

  • kitchen scale
  • dough hook
  • bench scraper
  • pastry brush
  • digital thermometer
Keep your screen on while you work!

Instructions

Making the Dough

  • Warm the water to 115 F.
  • Place the bread flour in a large mixing bowl and add the salt and yeast on opposite sides of the bowl, stirring in each one with your finger.  Pour in the honey, olive oil, eggs, and yolks.
  • Gradually add the warm water as you mix on low speed with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer (or by hand), trickling in a little at a time to create soft, slightly sticky dough.  You may not need all the water.
  • Knead on medium-low speed with the hook for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, no longer sticky, and has a glossy sheen on its surface.  You may need to add a spoonful or two of flour to get the right consistency.  (Alternatively, it turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes.)  Use the windowpane test to see if it's kneaded enough by pulling off a lump of dough and stretching it between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.  If it can stretch until it's translucent without breaking, it's kneaded enough.  If not, knead for a minute longer and check again.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Set aside in a warm place until about doubled size, approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Shaping the Challah

  • Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down all over to knock out excess gas.  Divide into 5 equal pieces using a bench scraper, weighing the pieces with a scale to make sure they are equal in weight.
  • Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long.  If you're having trouble rolling out the strands, let them rest for a couple minutes while you work on another strand.  This will relax the gluten, allowing them to roll out more easily.
  • Line up the 5 ropes side by side, then squeeze them together at the top to join.  Split the strands into two groups: a group of two on the left, and a group of three on the right.
  • Begin the braiding by crossing over the third strand from the second group and placing it beside the second strand in the first group.  Then, cross over the first strand from the first group and place it beside the first strand in the second group.  Repeat this process until the whole challah is braided, then pinch the ends to seal and tuck the ends underneath.  Gently pick up the loaf and place it on a lightly floured 11 by 17-inch cookie sheet.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let it prove in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • About 10 minutes before the bread is done proving, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Baking the Challah

  • Beat the egg yolk with a little water to thin it, then brush it on the risen loaf.
  • Stack the tray of challah on top of another cookie sheet to help prevent the base from cooking too quickly, then bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.  Check the bread without opening the door, and if it's getting too dark, cover it with aluminum foil. Lower the temperature to 325°F and bake for another 15-20 minutes.  The bread should be a rich golden brown and have an internal temperature of 190°F.
  • Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving to allow the crumb structure to set, about 1 hour.  Serve with salt or butter.

Video

Notes

  • Use good quality ingredients.  Especially be sure to use a good bread flour; my favorite is King Arthur.
  • Don't stretch the ropes of dough as you braid them.  This will make the loaf fat at one end and skinny on the other.
  • Dense bread?  It probably didn't rise enough, resulting in a doughy texture.  Next time, let it rise until springy to the touch and almost doubled in size before baking.
  • Too dry?  The loaf was most likely baked too long.  Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the bread and wait a few seconds.  It should read 190 F when the loaf is fully baked.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal (8%)Carbohydrates: 30g (10%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 395mg (17%)Potassium: 42mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 107IU (2%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 7mg (1%)Iron: 1mg (6%)

Serving sizes and nutritional information are only an estimate and may vary from your results.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ariana

    December 26, 2024 at 4:46 pm

    Help! My dough is not turning out. I tested the dough at 5 minutes of knead, 6,7, 10, 12 minutes, finally took it out and worked it by hand for several minutes. It’s so stiff! No stick whatsoever, but it just splits even while kneading and can’t even think of passing any window pane tests. After 7 minutes I was wondering if the dough was too dry and started spritzing with water from a spray bottle. Nothing is working. I’ve triple checked that I followed the recipe. All seems well.
    I’ve given it a good oiling and into the oven to proof now because I’m seriously running out of time. Hoping the proof will loosen it up.

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      December 27, 2024 at 8:31 am

      Sorry to hear about that, Ariana! It sounds like the dough might have been made with too much flour, which is why I recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh the flour instead of measuring cups. If you don't have a kitchen scale, I highly recommend that you invest in one like the Escali Primo--it's a huge help in baking!

      Reply
      • Eva

        December 30, 2024 at 6:09 am

        I’m having the same problem!! I have a kitchen scale and followed the measurements but when I knead it it’s super stiff and dense and splits as I’m kneading it. I don’t have a mixer so I did everything by hand. I added a little flour during the kneading process so it wouldn’t stick to the countertop, but I didn’t think it was a lot?

        Reply
  2. Corinne

    October 12, 2024 at 11:13 am

    I have a large amount of instant yeast so that’s what I would have to work with. Would I just mix it with the warm water and let it do its rise first?

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      October 13, 2024 at 7:20 am

      There's no need to bloom instant yeast in warm water first. I actually developed this recipe using instant yeast, so you can follow it as written. Happy baking!

      Reply
  3. Bekah

    September 18, 2024 at 8:47 pm

    5 stars
    Very happy with the results! Made exactly as stated and then decided to make again but into 2 smaller loaves. I’m in love. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      September 19, 2024 at 6:26 am

      So happy that you enjoyed the challah, Bekah! It's a great idea to make the dough into two smaller loaves.

      Reply
  4. bill hall

    August 16, 2024 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    This has been the best challah I have ever had! the recipe is easy to follow and using a scale is the best way to measure ingredients. I have made this many times using this recipe . I did 2 loaves and they were the best ones i have made from this recipe yet! your 5 braid, 1 and 5 braiding technique is the easiest to follow. I wish i could post a picture of the 2 loaves.

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      August 17, 2024 at 7:56 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Bill! I'm so happy that you have enjoyed this recipe so much. I love the 5-strand braiding technique, too. You can always go to Pinterest and share a photo of your bread on one of our challah bread pins.

      Reply
  5. Kesia Fix

    July 12, 2024 at 11:08 am

    Can’t thank you enough! Am far from an expert and this is the first time my challah come out so right!!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      July 17, 2024 at 8:41 am

      You're very welcome, Kesia! So happy to hear that you were pleased with your challah!

      Reply
  6. Jessica

    June 02, 2024 at 9:44 am

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe and so easy to put together!!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      June 02, 2024 at 4:58 pm

      Wonderful to hear, Jessica! Thanks for making our recipe!

      Reply
  7. Evey Hayes

    March 31, 2024 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! Made it for the first time and nailed it with its simplicity! Makes for the perfect loaf for our Easter dinner, even when I mixed up the 2 eggs yolks with eggs whites! 😆 Thank you!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      April 01, 2024 at 7:17 am

      That's wonderful to hear, Evey! We're so happy that you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  8. Hadassah

    March 29, 2024 at 5:14 pm

    5 stars
    Shabbat Shalom! Wonderful recipe I just made- saving this one for future use! 💖

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      March 30, 2024 at 7:33 am

      Thank you so much! Shabbat Shalom to you!

      Reply
  9. Sandy S

    March 12, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made so many different challah bread and this one seems to be the best one. Just the right amount of ingredients and portion. I love it! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I will be making it over and over again!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      March 13, 2024 at 6:52 am

      Thank you so much, Sandy! 😊

      Reply
  10. Diana

    December 31, 2023 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    Made this 4x in one day recently for teacher gifts. Each time it came out beautifully and has a wonderful presentation. On top of being delicious! We make it about once a week for home. Thank you for a well written recipe!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      December 31, 2023 at 4:46 pm

      You're welcome, Diana! That's wonderful to hear and we're so happy that you're enjoying the challah.

      Reply
  11. Emilee

    December 23, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    This bread recipe has turned out great each time! I love it!
    Could I make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator? How long could I leave it?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      December 24, 2023 at 7:56 am

      Hi Emilee! I'm happy to hear that you've been enjoying the bread! Yes, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight. I wouldn't leave it for more than 12 hours. Happy baking!

      Reply
  12. AJ

    December 19, 2023 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    Hello, I am planning to make this. But can I make this on a Bread Machine?

    Reply
    • Emma Fajcz

      December 20, 2023 at 6:24 am

      Yes, you could make it in a bread machine. However, I'd recommend letting the bread machine make, knead, and prove the dough the first time, then you can take it out to braid it, prove a second time, and bake in the oven. Happy baking!

      Reply
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