a beautiful braided loaf of challah! Here’s a full, reliable recipe to recreate it at home 👇
🍞 Challah Bread Recipe (Soft, Shiny, Braided)
🧾 Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 egg yolk (for dough)
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- ¾–1 cup (180–240ml) warm water
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Egg wash:
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water
🥣 Step 1: Activate Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm water (not hot), yeast, and a pinch of sugar
- Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy
🥯 Step 2: Make Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt
- Add eggs, yolk, oil, and yeast mixture
- Mix until a dough forms
✋ Step 3: Knead
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- If sticky, add a little flour (but keep it soft)
⏳ Step 4: First Rise
- Place in oiled bowl, cover
- Let rise 1–2 hours until doubled
🔗 Step 5: Shape & Braid
- Divide dough into 3–6 strands (depending on braid style)
- Roll into ropes and braid
- For your round loaf: coil the braid into a circle
⏳ Step 6: Second Rise
- Place on lined tray
- Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes
🥚 Step 7: Egg Wash
- Brush with egg wash
- Sprinkle sesame seeds
🔥 Step 8: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes
- Until deep golden brown (like your second photo)
✨ Tips for That Perfect Look
- Brush egg wash twice (before and midway through baking) for extra shine
- Don’t overproof or it may lose shape
- If browning too fast, tent with foil