Challah bread is a delightful way to bring warmth and comfort to any weeknight dinner. With its slightly sweet flavor and soft texture, it can accompany many dishes or stand on its own as a treat. These nine easy recipes are perfect for busy weekdays, making it simple to enjoy this traditional bread without the fuss.
1. Classic White Challah
This classic recipe is a timeless favorite for a reason!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
Process:
- In a bowl, activate yeast in warm water for 5 minutes. Stir in sugar, salt, oil, and eggs.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes.
- Let rise for 1 hour. Braid and place in pan, then brush with egg wash before baking at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a twist of orange zest to the dough for added flavor!
2. Honey Almond Challah
A lovely, sweet twist on the classic!
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Process:
- Combine warmed milk with yeast and honey. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Mix in melted butter, flour, eggs, and salt until smooth. Knead the dough for about 7 minutes.
- Allow to rise for 1 hour, shape, sprinkle almonds, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor!
3. Cinnamon Raisin Challah
Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
- ½ tsp salt
Process:
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Stir in flour, eggs, cinnamon, salt, and raisins.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape into a braid, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Feel free to swap raisins for chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
4. Savory Herb Challah
A great side for soups or salads!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
Process:
- Mix warm water with yeast and let it bloom. Stir in oil, eggs, herbs, salt, and flour to form a dough.
- Knead for 8 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and brush with egg wash, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add in some grated Parmesan for a cheesy herb kick!
5. Chocolate Chip Challah
A delightful dessert option!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
Process:
- Combine water, yeast, and sugar; let it bubble for 5 minutes. Add eggs, salt, flour, and chocolate chips, mixing to form dough.
- Knead for 6 minutes. Set aside to rise for 1 hour.
- Shape, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Swirl in some peanut butter for an indulgent flavor combo!
6. Pumpkin Spice Challah
Perfect for autumn gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
Process:
- Combine warm milk with yeast and sugar, then let sit. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin spice, and flour.
- Knead until smooth. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
- Braid, egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some walnuts or pecans for added crunch!
7. Sesame Seed Challah
Classic with a nutty twist!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Process:
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Add eggs, oil, flour, and salt.
- Knead for 7 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and roll in sesame seeds before egg washing. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Experiment with poppy seeds or flaxseeds in place of sesame!
8. Garlic and Cheese Challah
A savory favorite for cheese lovers!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
Process:
- Combine water, yeast, and sugar; let sit. Mix in oil, garlic powder, eggs, salt, and flour.
- Knead for 8 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape, add cheese, egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add in some chopped green onions for a flavorful kick!
9. Strawberry Jam Challah
A sweet pleasure for dessert!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (for dough)
- 1 egg (for wash)
- ½ cup strawberry jam
Process:
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Combine all ingredients, including flour, to form dough.
- Knead for 7 minutes. Allow to rise for 1 hour.
- Shape with jam, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
For a tropical twist, swap strawberry jam for mango or pineapple!
Trying your hand at different challah recipes is an exciting way to explore flavors and textures, all while keeping weeknight meals fun and delicious! Whether you go for the classic version or experiment with unique ingredients, these recipes are simple enough to whip up after a busy day. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones!