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–+ servings

Old Fashioned Challah Bread

Soft pillowy bread with a slightly sweet honey flavor
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course bread, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ cup Honey
  • Kosher Salt
  • ⅓ cup oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup Lukewarm water 1/4 to dissolve yeast and 1/4 to add to honey mixture
  • 5 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Egg white
  • 3 eggs 1 egg + 2 yolks
  • 2- ¼ oz packets Active dry yeast
  • 1 cup Buttermilk

Instructions
 

  • This recipe makes two loaves of challah bread
  • In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup water, honey, oil or butter, and a pinch of salt
  • Dissolve 2 pkgs (2 TBS) yeast into ¼ cup lukewarm water - make sure the water isn't too hot, and set aside until bubbly about 5 minutes
  • Put the honey mixture and yeast mixture into the bowl of a standing mixer and , then mix in one egg and two egg yolks
  • In a stand mixer, using the dough hook, slowly add 4-5 cups of flour alternating with buttermilk and knead until smooth and satiny (but not sticky - may need to add more flour) and mix on medium-low speed for about 3-5 minutes or 7 minutes if kneading by hand
  • Refrigerate - Transfer dough to a large bowl oiled bowl, cover in plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator. Allow the dough to rise for at least 2 hours (the longer the better, and can even store it overnight)
  • Remove from the refrigerator, punch down and roll out on a lightly floured surface
  • Divide into three even strands using a pizza cutter and secure them together at the top (see image)
  • Braid the dough from top to bottom alternating the right strand and left strand then secure the pieces together at the bottom
  • Add water to egg white and whisk together
  • Brush the tops of the loaf with egg wash
  • You can also sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds or everything seasoning
  • Place the braided loaves on a well-greased baking sheet or lined with parchment paper, cover, and allow to rise an additional 30 minutes
  • Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown - the total time shouldn't be more than 30 minutes and make sure to not overbake. You just want a slight golden color, but not dark brown.
  • Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool down
Keyword old fashioned challah bread, challah bread recipe, honey challah, braided challah bread, homemade challah, Jewish bread, easy challah bread, soft challah loaf
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