Golden, soft, and beautifully braided—**challah bread** is one of those recipes that looks like it came straight from a bakery window. But here’s the secret: making challah at home is far easier than it looks! With just a handful of pantry staples and a little practice, you’ll be pulling a stunning loaf of fresh challah out of your oven in no time.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special dinner, or just want to try something new, this **easy challah bread recipe** will surprise you with how simple (and satisfying) it really is.
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## 🥚 What Is Challah Bread?
Challah is a traditional Jewish bread often enjoyed on Shabbat and holidays. It’s enriched with eggs and slightly sweet, giving it a soft, fluffy texture and a gorgeous golden crust. The signature braid isn’t just decorative—it symbolizes unity and tradition.
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## 🧑‍🍳 Ingredients You’ll Need
* 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
* 1/4 cup honey (or sugar)
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs (plus 1 for egg wash)
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
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## 👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Activate the Yeast
* In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey.
* Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
### 2. Make the Dough
* Add oil, eggs, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture.
* Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
### 3. First Rise
* Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
### 4. Shape the Braid
* Punch down the dough and divide into 3 or 4 equal pieces.
* Roll each piece into ropes and braid them together.
* Place the braid on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
### 5. Second Rise
* Cover and let the braided loaf rise for 30–45 minutes.
### 6. Bake
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds if desired.
* Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
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## 🌟 Tips for Perfect Challah
* **Use room-temperature eggs** for better mixing.
* **Don’t rush the rises**—longer proofing = softer bread.
* **Try different braids**: 3-strand for beginners, 6-strand for a showstopper.
* **Add flavor twists**: Mix in raisins, cinnamon, or herbs for unique variations.
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## 🍯 Serving Ideas
* Serve warm with butter or honey.
* Use leftover challah for French toast or bread pudding.
* Pair it with soups, stews, or holiday meals for a comforting touch.
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## 🎉 Conclusion
This **easy challah bread recipe** proves that you don’t need fancy techniques or special equipment to bake something truly beautiful. With a few basic steps and ingredients, you’ll create a loaf that’s soft, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Once you try it, you’ll never want to buy challah from the store again!
So, grab your flour and eggs—it’s time to braid, bake, and enjoy. 🥖✨