Have you been intimidated by the pretty challah? Not anymore. Today, I share with you the easiest three-braid challah bread recipe you will ever make. This recipe uses just six ingredients, which are regular pantry staples and the process is surprisingly simple and easy.
Table of Content
If you love bread, then today I have a new bread recipe to add to your baking skills. While this one looks intimidating, it is surprisingly simple and easy to make.
The challah bread is one that always makes an impressive centerpiece to any dinner table. Try different braids with the same dough to show off your baking skills. This bread is a Jewish staple and a must-have for every Friday dinner and Jewish holidays.
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 bread, it is quite delicious.
Why make this challah recipe?
- 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
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. But, 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 but the same amount of milk works just as well.
- Instant dry yeast – I like to use instant dry because I’ve always had great success with it.
- If you have to use active yeast, you will need 2 ¼ teaspoon or one packet.
- And if you use fresh yeast, you will need about 21 grams. Also, it’s not necessary to activate the yeast, but I like to take the guesswork out and make sure my dough will rise.
- Sugar – This is not necessarily very sweet because I will be serving this with the main course for dinner but you can increase the sweetness by a bit more to make sweeter challah. If you prefer, you can substitute sugar with honey too.
- Oil – Vegetable oil adds flavor but butter-flavored margarine works just as well. Of course, I often like to use butter.
- Egg - 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.
Easy Challah - 3 Braid Bread
- Yeast mixture - In a mixing bowl or measuring cup combine warm 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. - Dry mixture - Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook.
Pro tip - If you do not like kneading, I highly recommend using a stand mixer with the hook attachment.
- Knead - Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine well on medium-low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes on medium-low in the stand mixer or about 10 to 15 minutes by hand on a lightly dusted work surface.
- Bowl - When the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Shape it 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.
- Rise - Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until doubles in volume.
Pro tip - Alternatively, you can also place the dough in the fridge to cold-proof overnight. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before shaping.
- Divide - Transfer to a well-dusted work surface. Press down and shape it into a log. You can divide the dough into two small loaves. Then, divide the dough into 3 portions.
Pro tip - I use a weighing scale to measure the dough but, you can keep them approximate as well. - Ropes - Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface. Then, roll like a jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video)
Pro tip - You can also just stretch the dough into a rope but this method will give a better texture without air pockets.
- 3 braid challah - Place all three long strands so they intersect in the middle. Then braid from the center to the bottom. Flip the dough and braid from the center to the bottom on the other side too.
Pro tip - This braid is similar to braiding your hair - starting from the middle towards the ends makes it easier, prettier, and less complicated. - Proof - Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 45 to 60 minutes.
Pro tip - Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls.
- Oven - About 20 minutes before baking preheat the oven at 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
- Bake - Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Then bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
Pro tip - Alternatively, if you make two smaller loaves bake them for a shorter time 20 to 25 minutes each. - Cool - Remove from the oven 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!
Tips for Success
- 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.
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 it good-looking bread.
More challah recipes
How long will this challah bread 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 challah?
Absolutely, I do it every week. I cut the bread into slices. Place it into a reusable 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 challah?
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.
Printable Recipe
Challah Bread Recipe - 3 Braids
Print Pin Rate Share by Email Share on FB Save Grow Coooking Temperature: 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 132kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 2 loafs
Description
Have you been intimidated by the pretty challah? Not any more. Today, I share with you the easiest three-braid challah bread recipe you will ever make. This recipe uses just six ingredients, which are regular pantry staples and the process is surprisingly simple and easy.
Video
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
Makes 2 small loaves or one large loaf
- 250 ml (1 cups) Water (warm 110F)
- 7 g (2¼ teaspoon) Instant dry yeast
- 40 g (2 tablespoon) Honey
- 40 g (2 tablespoon) Oil (cooking or olive)
- 100 g (2 large) Eggs
- 500 g (4 cups) Bread flour (or 50% bread and 50% all-purpose flour)
- 9 g (1 teaspoon) Kosher salt
Instructions
- Yeast mixture - In a mixing bowl or measuring cup combine warm 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.250 ml Water, 7 g Instant dry yeast, 40 g Honey, 40 g Oil, 100 g Eggs
- Dry mixture - Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook. Pro tip - If you do not like kneading, I highly recommend using a stand mixer with the hook attachment.500 g Bread flour, 9 g Kosher salt
- Knead - Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine well on medium-low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes on medium-low in the stand mixer or about 10 to 15 minutes by hand on a lightly dusted work surface.
- Bowl - When the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. Shape it 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.
- Rise - Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until doubles in volume. Pro tip - Alternatively, you can also place the dough in the fridge to cold-proof overnight. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before shaping.
- Divide - Transfer to a well-dusted work surface. Press down and shape it into a log. You can divide the dough into two small loaves. Then, divide the dough into 3 portions.Pro tip - I use a weighing scale to measure the dough but, you can keep them approximate as well.
- Ropes - Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface. Then, roll like a jelly roll into a rope about 18 inches long (see video)Pro tip - You can also just stretch the dough into a rope but this method will give a better texture without air pockets.
- 3 braid challah - Place all three long strands so they intersect in the middle. Then braid from the center to the bottom. Flip the dough and braid from the center to the bottom on the other side too.Pro tip - This braid is similar to braiding your hair - starting from the middle towards the ends makes it easier, prettier, and less complicated.
- Proof - Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 45 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can also place the dough in an 8-inch round baking pan. Pro tip - Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls.
- Oven - About 20 minutes before baking preheat the oven at 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
- Bake - Brush the bread with a beaten egg. Then bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Pro tip - Alternatively, if you make two smaller loaves bake them for a shorter time 20 to 25 minutes each.
- Cool - Remove from the oven 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 & Tips
- 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 for 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 and 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 doubles 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 into the pan and 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.
- 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 good-looking bread.
Inspired by -
Nutrition Information
Calories: 132- kcalCarbohydrates: 23- gProtein: 5- gFat: 2- gSaturated Fat: 1- gCholesterol: 16- mgSodium: 241- mgPotassium: 47- 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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Sylvie
Day 5 Done