Amazing Challah Bread: 1 Easy Recipe for Soft Loaves

Name: Amazing Challah Bread: 1 Easy Recipe for Soft Loaves
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (105-115F); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten, plus 1 egg yolk for egg wash; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon honey

Imagen de WhatsApp 2025-02-09 a las 19.59.51_86d04897

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 10 October 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Challah bread has a special place in my heart, evoking memories of warm family gatherings and the incredible aroma filling my grandmother’s kitchen. There’s something truly magical about creating a beautiful, golden loaf from scratch. This homemade Challah bread recipe is my go-to, passed down through generations, and it always results in a soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully textured bread. The process is so rewarding, and the finished product is simply divine, perfect for tearing into or serving with your favorite meals. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Challah Bread

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore how simple it is to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. It’s truly an easy Challah bread recipe that anyone can master.

Incredibly soft and fluffy texture
Slightly sweet, rich flavor that’s irresistible
Beautiful golden crust that’s perfect for slicing
Versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
A truly rewarding baking experience
This easy Challah bread recipe makes your home smell amazing

Impress your friends and family with homemade goodness
Perfect for holidays and special occasions

Ingredients for Challah Bread

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward making a beautiful, homemade loaf. This recipe makes a wonderfully soft and slightly sweet dough, perfect for shaping into a classic braided Challah Bread.

1 cup warm water (105-115°F) – This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – The magic leavening agent that makes our bread rise.
1 teaspoon sugar – Feeds the yeast and helps it get foamy.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting – The structure of our bread; all-purpose is perfect for this recipe.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten – Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough.

1 egg yolk for egg wash – This gives our finished loaf that gorgeous golden sheen.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – Contributes to the soft texture and moisture.
1 tablespoon honey – Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor.

How to Make Challah Bread

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup warm water, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let this mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes nice and foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work!
Step 3: While the yeast proofs, whisk together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed, which is key for flavor.

Step 4: Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the 2 large eggs (lightly beaten), 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon honey. Mix everything with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough starts to form.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when gently poked. This kneading develops the gluten, essential for that perfect Challah texture.
Step 6: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should feel airy and light.

Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
Step 8: Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 12 inches in length. Make sure they are relatively even in thickness for consistent baking.
Step 9: Pinch the ends of the three ropes together firmly. Braid them together to form your beautiful loaf. This is where your homemade Challah Bread really starts to take shape!

Step 10: Carefully place the braided loaf onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes. It will puff up nicely.
Step 11: While the loaf is having its second rise, prepare the egg wash by whisking the reserved 1 egg yolk with a tiny splash of water.
Step 12: Gently brush the egg wash all over the top of the risen Challah. This gives your homemade Challah Bread that signature golden-brown, glossy finish.

Step 13: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 14: Transfer the baked loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoying your delicious, homemade Challah Bread is the best part!

Pro Tips for the Best Challah Bread

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this bread from good to absolutely amazing. Following these tips will help ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time.

Always use good quality active dry yeast and check its expiration date. Old yeast won’t give you a good rise.
Don’t rush the rising process! Let the dough double in size in a warm, draft-free spot. Patience is key for a light and airy texture.
For an extra-glossy finish, apply the egg wash right before baking.

Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crust and interior.

What’s the secret to perfect Challah Bread?

The secret lies in developing the gluten properly through thorough kneading and allowing ample rising time. This creates that signature soft, elastic crumb that makes this easy Challah bread recipe so delightful.

Can I make Challah Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about an hour before shaping and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Challah Bread?

A common pitfall is using water that’s too hot, which can kill the yeast. Also, be sure not to add too much flour during kneading, as this can make the bread tough. Aim for a slightly sticky dough.

Best Ways to Serve Challah Bread

This versatile Challah bread is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other delicious foods. Its slightly sweet, eggy flavor makes it a fantastic base for so many dishes. Imagine it toasted and slathered with butter or your favorite jam – pure bliss!

It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a hearty breakfast or brunch. Think of serving thick slices alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or even some fresh fruit salad. As a traditional Jewish bread, it’s often enjoyed during holidays and Shabbat dinners, where it pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted chicken or hearty stews. For a delightful treat, try it French-toast style – the eggy bread soaks up the custard mixture perfectly, creating an unforgettable breakfast.

Nutrition Facts for Challah Bread

This information provides an estimate of the nutritional content per serving of our delicious homemade Challah Bread. Keep in mind that variations can occur based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 40mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Challah Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade Challah Bread fresh and delicious. Once your beautiful loaf has completely cooled on a wire rack, it’s time to think about preservation. For short-term enjoyment, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. This method will keep your Challah wonderfully fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you know you won’t finish it within that time, don’t worry! This bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for longer storage.

To freeze your homemade Challah, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, you can gently warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through, or toast slices to your preference. This ensures your Challah tastes almost as good as when it was fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions About Challah Bread

Can I freeze Challah Bread?

Yes, you absolutely can! Freezing is a fantastic way to preserve your delicious Challah bread. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or enjoying.

What makes Challah bread different from other breads?

Challah is unique due to its enriched dough, typically made with eggs, oil, and a touch of sweetener like honey or sugar. This combination gives it a richer flavor, a tender, slightly sweet crumb, and a beautiful golden color, setting it apart from leaner breads.

How do I get a good braid on my Challah Bread?

For a beautiful braided Challah Bread, ensure your three dough ropes are of equal length and thickness. Pinch the tops together firmly and then begin braiding, tucking the ends underneath to create a neat finish. If you’re following an easy Challah bread recipe, don’t stress if it’s not perfect the first time – practice makes perfect!

Can I make Challah Bread vegan?

You can adapt this easy Challah bread recipe to be vegan! Simply substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk or water instead of milk if your recipe calls for it. For the egg wash, a plant-based milk mixed with a little maple syrup works wonderfully for browning.

Variations of Challah Bread You Can Try

While this classic recipe is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different twists on this beloved bread! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit various tastes and dietary needs. For instance, incorporating a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the dough before braiding can create a delightful sweet surprise. Imagine a beautiful braided Challah Bread studded with bursts of fruity or chocolatey goodness!

If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, or even adding some seeds like poppy or sesame seeds to the dough for extra texture and flavor. For those following a vegan lifestyle, this recipe can be easily modified by using a flax egg substitute and a plant-based milk, proving that you don’t need eggs to achieve that wonderful Challah texture and taste.