How to Make Challah Bread – Easy, Braided & Delicious Recipe

There’s something special about challah bread. From its glossy golden crust to the soft, pillowy inside, it’s more than just bread; it’s tradition, comfort, and celebration in one beautiful braid.

The first time I made challah, I didn’t even know how to pronounce it (it’s “HAH-luh,” by the way). I just knew those golden braids looked amazing. My first loaf wasn’t perfect, but it was delicious, and I was hooked.

Whether you’re curious about how to make challah bread, what’s in it, or where to buy it, this guide covers it all, including why it’s the best choice for French toast.

Ready to braid some magic? Let’s get started..

What Is Challah Bread?

Challah is a traditional Jewish braided bread often eaten on special occasions, such as Shabbat and holidays. It’s made with eggs, flour, water, yeast, sugar, and oil. The result? A slightly sweet, soft, and rich bread with a stunning golden crust.

It’s often mistaken for brioche, but challah uses oil instead of butter, making it a dairy-free option that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Pronounce Challah Bread

Let’s clear up the confusion right away: “challah” is pronounced “HAH-luh”, not “chuh-lah” or “shah-lah.” The “ch” is silent. Say it out loud, it rolls off the tongue like a hug.

Knowing how to pronounce challah bread isn’t just for trivia night; it’s a small way to respect the culture it comes from.

Challah Bread Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic, foolproof challah bread recipe:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 large eggs + 1 yolk (for dough)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

These simple ingredients come together to create one of the softest, most beautiful breads you’ll ever bake.

How to Make Challah Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
2. Mix the dough: Add eggs, oil, salt, and flour. Stir to form a sticky dough.
3. Knead it: On a floured surface, knead for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Let it rise: Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1.5 hours.
5. Braid the dough: Divide into 3 or 6 strands, roll them out, and braid.
6. Final rise: Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again (30–45 mins).
7. Brush with egg wash: This gives the glossy, deep color.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.

Best Challah Bread Recipe Tips

• Don’t rush the rising, it’s where the flavor builds.
• The egg wash is everything. For a darker crust, use only yolk.
• Add-ins? Try raisins, sesame seeds, or everything bagel topping.

This is the best challah bread recipe I’ve found. Simple, reliable, and full of flavor.

Challah Bread vs Brioche

Let’s settle this. Brioche is buttery. Challah is oily. That makes a huge difference in taste and texture.

Challah: Light, slightly sweet, dairy-free. Brioche: Rich, buttery, more dessert-like

Both are amazing for French toast, but challah holds its structure better, especially for casseroles.

Challah Bread for French Toast

This is where challah shines. Its soft, airy texture soaks up custard like a sponge without falling apart. Use thick slices for a challah bread French toast casserole, or pan-fry for classic slices. Either way, it’s brunch magic.

Try it with:

• Cinnamon and vanilla custard
• Berries and whipped cream
• Savory French toast with herbs and cheese

Where to Buy Challah Bread

Don’t feel like baking? You can find challah bread at:

• Jewish bakeries (best quality)
• Local grocery stores (ask at the bakery section)
• Online (Goldbelly, Amazon, Whole Foods)
• Farmers’ markets (often fresher and handmade)

Search “challah bread near me” to see local options. Pro tip: buy an extra loaf and freeze it.

Challah Bread Calories & Nutrition

On average, one slice of challah bread (about 2 oz) has:

• 150–180 calories
• 4g fat
• 25g carbs
• 6g protein

Is challah bread healthy? It depends. It’s lower in fat than brioche but still has sugar and refined flour. For a healthier version, try using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar.

What Does Challah Bread Taste Like?

Challah is slightly sweet, eggy, and fluffy. Imagine if a croissant and a sandwich bread had a baby. It’s rich enough to eat on its own, yet versatile enough for sandwiches, toasts, or stuffing.

Variations of Challah

You can make challah your own in so many ways:

• Sweet: Add cinnamon, raisins, or chocolate chips
• Savory: Garlic, herbs, olives, or cheese
• Stuffed: Nutella, jam, or pesto

You can also shape it differently:

• Braided loaf (classic)
• Round challah (for holidays)
• Mini rolls (great for kids or parties)

How to Store Challah Bread

• Room Temp: Wrap in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze in bags for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Toast it or warm it in a low oven, wrapped in foil

Stale challah? Perfect for challah bread pudding or croutons.

Challah for Special Occasions

In Jewish tradition, challah is eaten on Shabbat and holidays like Rosh Hashanah. The round version symbolizes the cycle of the year. It’s blessed, shared, and torn, not sliced, to honor the occasion.

But honestly, you don’t need a holiday to make challah. It’s perfect for any weekend baking project, dinner side, or rainy-day comfort food.

FAQs About Challah Bread

Q: How do you pronounce challah bread?
A: It’s “HAH-luh” with a silent “c.” Think “holla,” but softer.

Q: Is challah bread sweet or savory?
A: It’s slightly sweet but very versatile, great for both sweet and savory dishes.

Q: What’s the best bread for French toast?
A: Challah! Its soft texture soaks up custard perfectly without falling apart.

Q: Where can I buy challah bread near me?
A: Try Jewish bakeries, local markets, or grocery store bakeries. Or check online for delivery.

Q: How is challah different from brioche?
A: Brioche has butter; challah uses oil. That makes challah dairy-free and lighter.

Q: Can you freeze challah bread?
A: Yes! Slice it first and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Baking challah bread isn’t just about making bread. It’s about slowing down, braiding love into every strand, and feeding people with something more than food. Whether you’re celebrating Shabbat, impressing brunch guests, or just craving that warm, eggy goodness, challah never disappoints.

Now that you know how to make challah bread, try it. Don’t overthink it. Your first loaf might look wonky, but it’ll smell amazing and taste even better. And that’s what baking is all about.

So go ahead—mix, knead, braid, and bake. Then tear off a piece while it’s still warm. Welcome to the challah club.