Welcome to my blog, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we are delving into the wonderful world of challah recipes. Challah, with its golden crust and soft, pillowy interior, is a beloved bread in Jewish cuisine. It's not just a bread; it's a symbol of tradition, celebration, and togetherness.
Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, I've got some amazing challah recipes that will surely elevate your baking game. So, put on your apron, grab your mixing bowl, and let's get started on this delicious journey of discovering the best challah recipes out there!
1. Simple Challah Bread
Simple Challah Bread is a straightforward and easy-to-follow recipe perfect for weekend or holiday baking. The dough is made with yeast, warm water, oil, sugar, salt, and eggs, and then gradually mixed with flour until it reaches the right consistency.
The dough is then left to rise, either on the counter or overnight in the fridge, for enhanced flavor. After rising, the dough is divided into pieces, braided, and left to rise again. Finally, the loaves are brushed with an egg wash and baked until golden. The end result is a delicious and flavorful challah bread with a soft interior and a sturdy outer crust.
2. Challah
The challah recipe provided yields the fluffiest and pillowiest loaves, perfect for snacking, sandwiches, and French toast. The recipe uses warm water, active dry yeast, sugar, bread flour, egg yolks, oil, honey, salt, and optional raisins.
The dough is kneaded until it passes the windowpane test and then left to rise for 3 hours. The dough is divided, shaped, and braided before being baked to a golden brown. The recipe also offers tips for substitutions and storing. Overall, this challah recipe is a must-try for its soft and delicious results.
3. Vegan Challah
The Vegan Challah recipe by Katharina Arrigoni offers a fully vegan version of the traditional challah bread. With a combination of all-purpose flour, spelt flour, yeast, and other ingredients, this recipe provides a soft and smooth dough that can be braided in various ways.
The bread is brushed with maple syrup before baking and then again after baking, giving it a delightful sweetness. Overall, this vegan challah recipe is a great option for those looking for a plant-based twist on a classic bread.
4. Bread Machine Challah
Bread Machine Challah is a simple and convenient way to make this traditional Jewish Sabbath bread. The recipe yields soft and fluffy loaves with a slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the addition of eggs and honey. The bread machine streamlines the process, making it easy for anyone to enjoy homemade challah without the need to buy from a bakery.
The recipe also offers suggestions for toppings and serving ideas, allowing for customization and versatility. Overall, Bread Machine Challah is a must-try recipe for challah enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free baking experience.
5. Honey Walnut Challah
The Honey Walnut Challah is a delightful twist on the traditional Jewish bread. The soft and fluffy enriched bread is infused with the subtle sweetness of honey and complemented by the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
This beginner-friendly recipe is not only easy to make but also visually stunning. The addition of honey and walnuts takes the challah to the next level, creating a delicious and flavorful loaf. Perfect for any occasion, this Honey Walnut Challah is a must-try for bread lovers.
6. Bread-Machine Challah
Bread-Machine Challah is a dairy-free version of the traditional Jewish bread. It is a golden, eggy, and tender yeast bread with a slightly sweet taste. The recipe is easy to make using a bread machine, and it calls for simple ingredients like eggs, honey, salt, vegetable oil, bread flour, and yeast.
The dough is mixed and kneaded in the bread machine, then shaped into a braid and baked in the oven. The end result is a delicious loaf that is perfect for any occasion.
7. Challah Bread
Challah bread is a beautiful and delicious Jewish braided bread that is surprisingly easy to make. With its soft texture and slightly sweet, egg-flavored taste, it is a delight to enjoy. The dough is forgiving, allowing for imperfect braiding and still resulting in a gorgeous final product. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature, but ensuring a full rise is key.
Once baked, the challah has a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully cooked. While it is best enjoyed on the day it is baked, storing it in an airtight container allows it to retain its flavor and texture for up to three days. Overall, challah bread is a must-try recipe for bread lovers looking to elevate their baking game.
8. Whole Wheat Challah
Whole Wheat Challah is a delicious and tender alternative to traditional challah bread. Made with a blend of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, this recipe creates a healthier yet still flavorful loaf. The braided presentation adds a beautiful touch to any table.
With its religious significance in Jewish culture, challah holds a special place in the hearts of many. This recipe offers the option to use different high-protein whole grain flours, such as spelt or einkorn, for added variety. Overall, Whole Wheat Challah is an easy and satisfying bread to make, perfect for those looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
9. Pretzel Challah
Pretzel Challah is a delicious twist on traditional challah bread. With its fluffy egg dough and beautiful braided shape, it resembles a soft pretzel. The addition of baking soda and dark brown sugar gives it a unique flavor.
The recipe is kosher and pareve, but optional melted butter can be added for a richer taste. The egg wash adds a glossy finish to the bread. Overall, Pretzel Challah is a must-try for those looking for a delightful variation on the classic challah recipe.
10. Gluten-Free Challah
Gluten-Free Challah is a delicious alternative to traditional challah bread, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This recipe creates a moist, fluffy, and doughy bread that closely resembles the texture of wheat flour challah. The use of gluten-free oat flour makes it hamotzi-worthy, while the addition of honey adds a delightful sweetness.
Topped with Everything Bagel seasoning, it also offers a savory touch. Although it may not be as visually stunning as hand-braided wheat-flour challah, it still impresses with its beautiful shape. Overall, this gluten-free challah recipe is a worthy contender for those seeking a gluten-free and kosher option for their Shabbat table.
11. Sourdough Challah
The Sourdough Challah recipe offers a unique twist on traditional challah bread by using naturally leavened sourdough starter cultures instead of commercial yeast. The longer fermentation process results in a slightly tangy flavor, while still maintaining the soft and pillowy texture that challah is known for.
Although it requires a two-day process, the hands-on work is minimal, making it a satisfying and versatile bread option. Overall, the Sourdough Challah is worth the effort and provides a delicious alternative to traditional yeasted challah.
12. Vegan Challah Bread
Vegan Challah Bread is a simple and delicious alternative to traditional challah. Made without eggs, this bread is still soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. It requires no fancy ingredients or equipment and can be shaped into a traditional braid or any preferred shape.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to try something new, Vegan Challah Bread is a must-try for bread lovers.
13. Sweet Potato Challah
The Sweet Potato Challah is a delicious twist on the classic challah bread recipe. With the addition of mashed sweet potatoes and fresh ginger, this bread has a unique and flavorful taste.
The dough is soft and springy, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Perfect for enjoying on its own or as a base for French toast. A must-try for challah lovers looking for something a little different.
14. Sourdough Challah Bread
Sourdough Challah Bread is a delicious and beautiful twist on the traditional Jewish bread. With its soft, fluffy texture and golden, braided crust, it's perfect for any occasion. This recipe swaps out dairy products for oil and water, making it a kosher loaf.
The sourdough fermentation adds a unique flavor and lightness to the bread. Whether enjoyed on its own or used for various dishes, this Sourdough Challah Bread is a must-try.
15. Jazzie's Gluten Free Molino Flour Challah
Jazzie's Gluten Free Molino Flour Challah is a vegan and Celiac-friendly recipe made with gluten free Molino flour and sweetened with date syrup. It is a foolproof recipe that has received positive feedback from the gluten free community.
The recipe offers adaptations for vegans and suggests various toppings for added flavor. Overall, this challah recipe has been praised for its resemblance to traditional challah and its ability to make Shabbat meals enjoyable for those with dietary restrictions.
16. Bakery Style Challah
The Bakery Style Challah recipe is a must-try for challah lovers. With specific instructions and tips, it promises a fluffy and tender loaf. The addition of egg yolks gives it a rich flavor, and the dough is easy to work with.
However, some users experienced denser results, so adjustments may be needed. Overall, this recipe is a game-changer for those seeking an authentic bakery-style challah.
17. Gluten Free Challah
Gluten Free Challah is a soft and tender bread that closely resembles traditional challah. It can be easily braided and has a fluffy texture. This recipe uses a specific gluten-free flour blend for best results.
It can be topped with various toppings like poppy seeds or sesame seeds. The bread can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for later use.
18. Garlic Rosemary Challah
The Garlic Rosemary Challah is a savory twist on the classic challah recipe. It features the aromatic flavors of roasted garlic powder and freshly chopped rosemary, creating a show-stopping and delicious bread.
The addition of thin slices of garlic and sprigs of fresh rosemary as garnish adds to its visual appeal. This recipe is a must-try for those who enjoy savory flavors in their challah.
19. Round Challah
The Round Challah recipe for Rosh Hashanah is a must-try for those looking to celebrate the holiday with a delicious and symbolic bread. This recipe yields a rich, sweet, and eggy loaf that is perfect for toasting, sandwiches, French toast, or bread pudding. Whether you choose to make a simple spiral or an impressive braided round challah, the results are guaranteed to impress your guests.
The recipe includes the option to add raisins for extra flavor. Once baked, the challah can be beautifully displayed on a serving board. Overall, this recipe is accessible for both experienced and novice bread bakers and is a delightful addition to any Rosh Hashanah celebration.
20. Pumpkin Challah
The Pumpkin Challah is a delightful twist on traditional challah bread, perfect for the fall season. The addition of pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread. The recipe offers the option to add warm spices like cinnamon for those who prefer a more autumnal flavor.
The bread is soft, tender, and beautifully braided, making it a visually appealing addition to any meal. It can also be used to make delicious French toast. Overall, the Pumpkin Challah is a versatile and delicious bread recipe that is sure to impress.
21. Maple Glazed Challah Rolls
Maple Glazed Challah Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional challah bread. The rolls are sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a maple glaze, adding a subtle maple flavor.
These rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion where you need delicious, soft rolls to accompany your meal. They are easy to make and will surely be a hit with everyone who tries them.
22. Challah French Toast Casserole
Challah French Toast Casserole is a decadent and indulgent option for brunch. Made with fluffy challah bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of brown sugar and spices, this overnight casserole is easy to assemble and results in a deliciously rich and flavorful dish. The bread soaks up the custard mixture, creating a moist and tender texture.
The drizzle of butter and cinnamon sugar on top adds a delightful crust and buttery taste. Letting the casserole rest before serving ensures that the bread absorbs all the liquid, resulting in slices that hold together when cut. Perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning, this Challah French Toast Casserole is a must-try recipe.
23. Braided Challah
Braided Challah is a delicious and visually stunning bread that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe includes a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, eggs, honey, and oil, resulting in a soft and flavorful dough.
The dough is shaped into ropes and then braided to create a beautiful loaf. After brushing with an egg wash, the challah is baked until golden brown. The end result is a moist and slightly sweet bread with a beautiful, shiny crust. Perfect for serving warm or at room temperature.
24. Easy Round Challah
The Easy Round Challah recipe is a simple and straightforward way to make delicious challah bread. The dough is easy to work with, resulting in a smooth and supple texture. The recipe includes a cinnamon and brown sugar filling, adding a delightful sweetness to the bread.
The braiding technique creates a beautiful round shape. The loaves bake to a deep brown color, and the egg wash gives them a lovely shine. It is recommended to let the loaves rest before serving to allow them to finish cooking. Overall, this recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to make a tasty and visually appealing challah.
