Today, I'm sharing how to make the six-strand braided bread, challah. Sounds complicated, but with my step-by-step and video you will be making it like a pro in no time at all.
Table of Content
Isn't this the prettiest bread you've seen? I love braided challah. While I make loads of different bread at home, ever since we came to Israel we have it every Friday!
What is challah?
I bet you've seen this bread at every bakery and thought it was just a pretty designed bread. Right? Well, there is more to challah.
It is a Jewish bread made every week on Friday to celebrate Shabbat, the Jewish weekend, as well as on Jewish holidays, except Passover. It's an enriched dough made with flour, oil, and eggs and gets a slight yellow color from the eggs. Traditional challah is made with water because Jews do not eat dairy and meat together. But if you're not keeping kosher, try milk to make this braided loaf, it is quite delicious.
Why make this braided egg bread?
- Making challah is easier than you think.
- As you can see in my video and step-by-step progress pictures, the process is simple and easy just like making any other bread dough just with braiding.
- Most of the ingredients to use are simple pantry staples or easy to find.
- The process is like any other bread, except that it's a braided loaf.
- Stale bread will make great morning toast, French toast, and bread puddings as well as a freshly toasted lunch sandwich.
- Of course, leftovers can be kept for a few days at room temperature or frozen in the freezer for up to a month
- Today, we make 6-braid challah but you also make other numbers of braids just as well.
Timeline & Process
- Dough preparation - 10 minutes
- Rise - 60 to 90 minutes (or overnight in the fridge)
- Roll dough - shape the loaf - 15 minutes
- Proof the bread - 45 to 60 minutes
- Bake the bread - 30 to 45 minutes
Ingredients and substitutes
- Flour - I like using bread flour for this challah. It gives a soft chew bread with a tender crust. And yet, for years I have made this with all-purpose flour and it works wonderfully too. So, use either bread or all-purpose flour.
- Water - As I said above, traditionally, challah is made with warm water because the Jewish do not eat dairy and meat together. But, you can also use milk as I have in my recipe for milk and honey challah.
- Instant dry yeast – Today, I am using fresh bakers yeast, but you can also use 2 ¼ teaspoon or one envelope of instant dry yeast or active dry yeast.
- Sweetener –This is not necessarily a very sweet dough. Traditionally, honey is used but sugar can be used too.
- Fat – Traditionally, oil is used in challah. But, often, I do love to use butter for the rich flavor it provides.
- Eggs - Adds a lot of flavor to the bread, gives a tender crumb, and strengthens the texture. The egg is also a leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Braided challah - 6 braids
Dough
- In a small bowl or measuring cup combine lukewarm water (110 F), yeast, honey, oil, and eggs. Whisk and set aside to foam for 3 mins.
Pro tip - Instant yeast does not need to be activated. But I like to ensure my yeast is good and working for me. You may choose to add all ingredients directly to the flour. - Measure the flour and salt (you can also use kosher salt) in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook. Add the yeast mixture and combine well with a spatula or a wooden spoon.
Pro tip - If you do not like kneading, I highly recommend using a stand mixer with the hook attachment.
- Knead
- By hand - transfer to a well-dusted worktop and knead for 5 to 6 minutes (video shows kneading by hand)
- Stand mixer - once all the flour is well incorporated knead on medium for 4 to 5 minutes
- When the dough is soft, shiny, but still slightly sticky shape into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until double in volume.
Pro tip - In winter, you may need 90 minutes or more. But in summer, the dough may double in 45 minutes. If you can't attend to it at that moment, de-gas, reshape, and let double in volume again.
Shape challah
- When the dough is double in volume, transfer to a well-dusted floured surface. De-gas, reshape into a ball. Then, roll into a small log.
Pro tip - At this point, there is no need for additional flour. So use a light dusting of flour. - You can make two small challah bread or one large challah bread with this dough. For two small loaves, divide the dough into 2. Today, I made one large challah.
- Then, using a bench scraper or knife divide the dough into 6 portions. They need to be approximately the same weight. I use a kitchen scale to measure the dough.
Pro tip - If the portions are uneven, the challah braid will loo uneven as well. So, keep them similar in size. - Ropes - Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Pro tip - When shaping into a ball, ensure all seems are tucked in and the ball is smooth. Rest these for 5 to 10 minutes if the dough resists. - Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface (see video). Then, roll like a jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video).
Pro tip - This step is optional but it will give a nice shape and firm texture to the challah.
Braiding challah
- Place all six ropes so they intersect at the top. It's easier to watch the video first then try to understand my instructions. 😂 😜
- Ensure the six strands are secured at the top. From left to right you now have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 strands in front of you. It's harder when only read my instructions, so please watch the video.-
- Strand 1 goes over 6 and 6 goes over 1 -
simple criss-cross (like two arms on either side). - Then, 1 comes down in between 2, 3, and 4, 5.
- And 3 goes over in place of 6.
- Then, 1 comes down in between 2, 3, and 4, 5.
- And 4 goes over in place of 1.
- Strand 1 goes over 6 and 6 goes over 1 -
- Continue with the process until you have reached the bottom. Tuck the seams at the top and bottom under.
- Place on a baking sheet/tray. Cover with a plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 30 to 45 minutes.
Pro tip - Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls.
Bake
- 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven at 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
- Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds (or poppy seeds).
Pro tip - Egg wash is a full egg with 2 tablespoon of water. An egg wash will give a nice golden color. If you can't use egg, milk or cream will work just as well. Do not use oil or butter as it will create a crust.
- If you make two challah bread with this dough bake each for 20 to 25 minutes until you have a nice golden brown. If you make one large challah, (as I have here) bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until you have a nice golden brown color.
Pro tip - When baked, the internal temperature of the bread should be about 195 F. The bread will have a hollow sound on the bottom when tapped. - Remove and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep it soft.
Pro tip - Do not leave the loaf on the baking tray for too long as the steam will make the bread soggy on the bottom. Covering the bread with a cloth will help the bread retain moisture and prevent it from drying out. - Enjoy!
The secret to baking a perfect braided challah
There are two things that contribute to good challah bread.
- The density of the dough when making this bread. Unlike our pizza or focaccia bread, where we add more water, this dough has less water. Unlike our dinner rolls, where we make light and airy bread, this one is denser. That's because we want the dough to hold its shape. So, when you knead this dough, you want to take note of the density of the dough. It must be soft but still have a good body, not as squishy as pizza dough.
- When shaping the loaf, don't just roll it into a long rope. Take that moment to roll it out, then into a jelly roll, as I have in the video. This gives you a well-formed and shaped loaf. The final bread will hold better, as I like to call a good-looking bread.
More challah bread recipes
How long will this challah keep?
The challah will keep at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Once cut, make sure to wrap the cut side of the bread well to prevent drying out. Also, leftovers can be used to make French toast and bread pudding.
Can you freeze this challah?
Absolutely, I do it every week. I cut the bread into slices. Place it into a re-usable silicon storage bag in the freeze. When I need I just thaw slices in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds.
Can I add fruits or nuts to this braided bread?
Yes, raisins, dried cranberries, and almonds are very common in challah and taste delicious.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Of course, I have made challah bread for years with all-purpose flour before I had the luxury of bread flour and it works equally well. Bread flour does give a softer, chewier bread with a tender crumb.
Can I make one large braided bread with this dough?
Yes, if you want you can make one large braided bread as I have in the video or two small loves as well.
Printable Recipe
Six-Strand Braided Bread Challah
Print Pin Rate Share by Email Share on FB Save Grow Coooking Temperature: 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
Difficulty: Medium
Calories: 130kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 20 slices
Description
Today, I'm sharing how to make the six-strand braided bread, challah. Sounds complicated, but with my step-by-step and video you will be making it like a pro in no time at all.
Video
Ingredients
Total dough - 900 grams
- 240 grams (240 ml) Warm water (110°F)
- 100 grams (2 large) Eggs (large)
- 30 grams (2 tablespoon) Honey (or sugar)
- 30 grams (2 tablespoon) Olive oil
- 7 grams (2¼ teaspoon) Instant yeast ((21 g bakers yeast))
- 500 grams (4 cups) Bread flour ((or all-purpose flour) )
- 9 grams (1¼ teaspoon) Salt
Instructions
Dough
- In a mixing bowl or measuring cup combine lukewarm water (110 F), yeast, honey, oil, and eggs. Stir and set aside to foam for 3 mins.Pro tip - Instant yeast does not need to be activated. But I like to ensure my yeast is good and working for me. You may choose to add all ingredients directly to the flour.240 grams Warm water, 100 grams Eggs, 30 grams Honey, 30 grams Olive oil, 7 grams Instant yeast
- Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook. Add the yeast mixture and combine well.Pro tip - If you do not like kneading, I highly recommend using a stand mixer with the hook attachment.500 grams Bread flour, 9 grams Salt
- Knead - By hand - transfer to a well-dusted worktop and knead for 5 to 6 minutes (video shows kneading by hand) - Stand mixer - once all the flour is well incorporated knead on medium for 4 to 5 minutes (Progress pictures show knead in a stand mixer)
- When the dough is soft, shiny, but still slightly sticky shape into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.
- Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until double in volume. Pro tip - In winter, you may need 90 minutes or more. But in summer, the dough may double in 45 minutes. If you can't attend to it at that moment, de-gas, reshape, and let double in volume again.
Shape challah
- When the dough is double in volume, transfer to a well-dusted floured surface. De-gas, reshape into a ball. Then, roll into a small log. Pro tip - At this point, there is no need for additional flour. So use a light dusting of flour.
- You can make two small challah bread or one large challah bread with this dough. For two small loaves, divide the dough into 2. Today, I made one large challah.
- Then, divide the dough into 6 portions. They need to be approximately the same weight. I use a kitchen scale to measure the dough.Pro tip - if the portions are uneven the challah braid will loo uneven as well. So, keep them similar in size.
- Ropes - Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Pro tip - When shaping into a ball, ensure all seems are tucked in and the ball is smooth. Rest these for 5 to 10 minutes if the dough resists.
- Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface (see video). Then, roll like a jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video)Pro tip - This step is optional but it will give a nice shape and firm texture to the challah.
Braiding challah
- Place all six ropes so they intersect at the top. It's easier to watch the video first then try to understand my instructions. 😂 😜
- Ensure the six strands are secured at the top. From left to right you now have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 strands in front of you. It's harder when only read my instructions, so please watch the video.- Strand 1 goes over 6 and 6 goes over 1 - simple criss-cross (like two arms on either side).- Then, 1 comes down in between 2, 3, and 4, 5.- And 3 goes over in place of 6.- Then, 1 comes down in between 2, 3, and 4, 5.- And 4 goes over in place of 1.
- Continue with the process until you have reached the bottom. Tuck the seams at the top and bottom under.
- Place on a baking tray. Cover with a plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 30 to 45 minutes.Pro tip - Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls.
Bake
- 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven at 350°F / 177°C / Gas Mark 4
- Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Sprinkle some sesame seeds. Pro tip- Egg wash is a full egg with 2 tablespoon of water. An egg wash will give a nice golden color. If you can't use egg, milk or cream will work just as well. Do not use oil or butter as it will create a crust.
- If you make two challah bread with this dough bake each for 20 to 25 minutes until you have a nice golden brown. If you make one large challah, (as I have here) bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until you have a nice golden brown color. Pro tip - When baked, the internal temperature of the bread should be about 195 F. The bread will have a hollow sound on the bottom when tapped.
- Remove and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep it soft.Pro tip - Do not leave the loaf on the tray for too long as the steam will make the bread soggy on the bottom. Covering the bread with a cloth will help the bread retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Measure all ingredients ahead of time, so you don't forget anything at the last minute.
- For accuracy, use a weight measure for the ingredients because every cup of flour can weigh differently depending on how you fill it.
- The liquid (milk or water) must be warm (not hot) - about 110F. If the liquid is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Similarly, if the liquid is too cold, it will not activate the yeast.
- Most yeasts have a long shelf life, but they can get ruined. Always check the expiry date on the yeast. If unsure, combine the yeast with water/milk, sugar/honey, and oil/butter from the recipe and let stand 5 minutes. If it gets foamy the yeast is good to go. If not, it's best to buy fresh yeast or check the temperature of the milk.
- Keep salt away from yeast as it can kill the yeast. I like to combine salt with the flour then add the yeast mixture.
- A soft loose well-hydrated dough is not necessarily a bad thing. Often, it will give you soft puffy bread. So, don't be tempted to add more flour than mentioned in the recipe.
- Kneading is key to making good bread. While kneading by hand can be therapeutic, using a stand mixer is easier and quicker.
- Leave the dough at room temperature to rise until double in volume. While not recommended, when in haste, you can place it in a warm (30 C / 75 F- not hotter) oven this will expedite the rise.
- Bread does not have to be time-consuming. You can leave the dough in the fridge to rise for a few hours (even overnight) while you go about your chores. A slow rise will give more flavor to the bread.
- Always preheat the oven for at least 10 minutes before you place bread in or the low temperature will spread the dough too much.
- Overnight challah - The dough can be prepared a day in advance. Proof it for an hour on the counter then punch down and let the dough rest in the fridge overnight. Overnight proofing is a great way to add flavor to the bagels. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature before you shape and bake them.
- Storing challah - These loaves do freeze beautifully. Cool the baked loaves then place them in a freezer-safe storage bag. These can be frozen for up to a month. I like to slice my challah so my kids use a few slices at a time.
- Kneading the dough - If possible use an electric mixer because the dough is soft and sticky.
- Bread machine - this dough can be easily made in a bread machine. Pour all ingredients in the pan set to dough or manual. Start and let the dough run its cycle for about 9 to 10 minutes - continue with the recipe as shown above.
The secret to baking a perfect braided bread.
There are two things that contribute to good challah bread.- The density of the dough when making this bread. Unlike our pizza or focaccia bread, where we add more water, this dough has less water. Unlike our dinner rolls, where we make light and airy bread, this one is denser. That's because we want the dough to hold its shape. So, when you knead this dough, you want to take note of the density of the dough. It must be soft but still have a good body, not as squishy as pizza dough.
- When shaping the loaf, don't just roll it into a long rope. Take that moment to roll it out, then into a jelly roll, as I have in the video. This gives you a well-formed and shaped loaf. The final bread will hold better, as I like to call a good-looking bread.
Inspired by -
Nutrition Information
Calories: 130- kcalCarbohydrates: 24- gProtein: 4- gFat: 2- gSaturated Fat: 1- gCholesterol: 16- mgSodium: 240- mgPotassium: 41- mgFiber: 1- gSugar: 2- gVitamin A: 24- IUCalcium: 6- mgIron: 1- mg
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Reta van Zyl
Day 3 Done
Erika
This bread looks great! Thanks for showing the step by step photos. Now I think I could braid the bread on my own.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Erika. I hope you try it soon
Amanda Marie Boyle
I was always intimidated by braided bread, love your step by step pictures!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Amanda