Name: Easy Challah Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 2 Eggs; 7 oz Water, lukewarm; 1/4 cup Honey; 2 tbsp Olive oil (or any vegetable oil); 1 Egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (for egg wash); 2 tsp Dried active yeast; 1 1/4 tsp Salt; 4 cups All-purpose flour; Black and white sesame seeds, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 21 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Easy Challah Bread Recipe is just what you need. This delightful braided bread offers a perfect balance of a slightly sweet, rich flavor with a tender, fluffy crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a stunning and delicious loaf that’s ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions. Plus, braiding the dough is surprisingly fun and completely satisfying—trust me, once you try this Easy Challah Bread Recipe, you won’t want to bake any other bread the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny golden-brown braided bread with five thick, rounded strands is placed on a dark wooden board. Each strand is sprinkled with a mix of white and black sesame seeds. To the right of the bread, there is a small white plate holding a wooden honey dipper resting inside a pool of golden honey. In the top left corner, partially visible, are two small white plates—one with yellow butter and the other with a light orange jam. A light gray cloth is slightly folded and placed at the bottom left corner of the board. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making this Easy Challah Bread Recipe is a breeze, thanks to a few straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in the flavor, texture, and appearance of the bread. From the honey’s natural sweetness to the olive oil’s tenderizing effect, every item is essential.

2 Eggs: Provide richness and structure, contributing to the bread’s soft texture and golden color.

7 oz Lukewarm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create the perfect dough consistency.
2 tsp Dried Active Yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the bread rise and become wonderfully airy.
1/4 cup Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful browning in the crust.

1 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
2 tbsp Oil (Olive Oil suggested): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a delicate richness.
4 cups All-Purpose Flour: Forms the dough’s structure and gives it that classic challah crumb.

1 Egg for Egg Wash (beaten with 1 tsp Water): Ensures a gorgeous shiny, golden crust.
Black and White Sesame Seeds: Add a delightful crunch and visual appeal on top.

How to Make Easy Challah Bread Recipe

Easy Challah Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Yeast

Start by combining your eggs, lukewarm water, yeast, salt, honey, and oil in a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer’s bowl). Whisk everything beautifully until fully incorporated. This step activates the yeast and begins developing all those wonderful flavors you’ll love.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Knead

Add the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until a rough dough forms. Once the flour has joined the party, it’s time to knead. Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10 to 12 minutes, or use a stand mixer on low speed for 8 to 9 minutes. The dough should become smooth and soft—this texture is your dough’s way of telling you it’s ready.

Step 3: Let the Dough Proof

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or cling wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size by the end of this rest, becoming light and fluffy and full of promise.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls and Rest

Punch down the risen dough gently to release the air, then divide it into six equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and cover them with a damp towel. Let these little dough balls rest for 5 minutes—this makes rolling them into ropes easier and helps the gluten relax.

Step 5: Roll and Stretch Into Ropes

Roll each dough ball into a rope about 7 inches long, then stretch each one carefully until it reaches about 12 inches. This gives you the perfect length for braiding and creates that signature challah look.

Step 6: Braid the Dough Strands

Group three of the strands together and pinch them at the top. Braid them neatly, tucking the ends underneath to create a tidy loaf. Repeat with the remaining three strands to create a second loaf. This braiding is where your Easy Challah Bread Recipe starts to feel truly special—just like a homemade work of art.

Step 7: Second Proof for Pillowy Softness

Place your braided loaves gently on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a damp towel or cling wrap and let them proof again for about an hour, or until the dough looks puffy and pillow-like. This slow rise ensures a soft, airy crumb in the finished bread.

Step 8: Preheat, Egg Wash, and Sprinkle

Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Just before baking, brush the loaves with an egg wash made of one beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water—this gives your bread a beautiful golden shine. Sprinkle liberally with black and white sesame seeds for that irresistible crunch and eye-catching finish.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake your Challah loaves at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool until just barely warm—you want to keep that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness. Then slice and enjoy every lovely bite!

How to Serve Easy Challah Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread is stunning on its own, but a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey can make it even more delectable. For savory options, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a swipe of cream cheese adds wonderful flavor and texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

Challah pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. Think creamy soups, vibrant salads, or even a classic shakshuka. For breakfast or brunch, slice it up and serve alongside eggs, fresh fruit, or a bowl of yogurt for a hearty start to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using your braided challah as a sandwich base for rich fillings like smoked salmon and dill cream cheese or make decadent French toast by soaking thick slices in an egg custard before frying. The golden crust and tender crumb lend themselves beautifully to creative culinary adventures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap leftover challah in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh and soft for up to two days—perfect for enjoying over a couple of breakfasts or quick snacks.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze whole loaves or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and then in freezer bags. This keeps the challah fresh for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices or whole loaves in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll restore that perfect crust and airy softness that make this bread so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this Easy Challah Bread Recipe because it gives the right balance of structure and tenderness. You can experiment with bread flour for a chewier loaf, but the texture and rise might differ slightly.

What if I don’t have olive oil?

No worries! Any neutral vegetable oil like canola or sunflower oil works perfectly. Olive oil does add a subtle flavor, but the bread will still be delicious without it.

Is it necessary to braid the bread?

While braiding is traditional and gives the bread its iconic look, you can shape the dough into a round or oval loaf if you prefer. Just keep in mind the texture and crumb will remain the same; braiding is mainly for style.

Can I make this bread vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size during proofing. A good test is to gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains without bouncing back quickly, your dough is ready for the next step.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Challah Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of homemade comfort and tradition into your kitchen. With its lovely braided shape, subtle sweetness, and tender crumb, every step from mixing to baking will fill your home with irresistible aromas that celebrate the joy of baking. Be brave, have fun braiding, and I promise you’ll love the delicious results just as much as I do. Time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy this beautiful, flavorful bread fresh from your oven!