Sweet Challah Bread Recipe π
Prep Time: 24 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 2 medium loaves
Description:
Indulge in the delight of homemade Sweet Challah Bread, inspired by a deep love for this traditional Jewish bread. This recipe promises a soft, sweet loaf perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re crafting a comforting bread pudding or simply savoring a slice with butter, this Sweet Challah Bread will elevate your baking experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 packet (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
- 1 egg plus 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2/3 cup sugar
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- Optional toppings: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or cinnamon sugar
- Optional: your favorite cheese for a cheesy variation
Instructions:
-
Activate Yeast Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Initial Dough Formation:
- Stir in 1 cup of bread flour, creating a thick paste. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- To the yeast mixture, add olive oil, 1 whole egg, and 2 egg yolks. Mix until well combined.
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Blend Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in kosher salt, sugar, and the remaining bread flour gradually until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, incorporating additional flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a large greased mixing bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
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Overnight Rise:
- Transfer the dough to the refrigerator and allow it to rise overnight or for at least 6 hours, enhancing the flavor and texture.
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Shape the Loaves:
- Once risen, turn the dough out onto a cornmeal-dusted surface. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a desired loaf shape, either braided or formed into the traditional Jewish circle.
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Second Rise:
- Let the shaped dough rise for another hour while preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
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Egg Wash and Toppings:
- Brush the risen loaves with egg wash twice, ensuring a shiny finish. Sprinkle with optional toppings like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or cinnamon sugar for added flavor and texture.
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Bake:
- Place the loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If needed, cover the loaves with foil halfway through baking to prevent excessive browning.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Sweet Challah Bread from the oven. For a soft crust, place them in plastic bags while still warm. For a crisp crust, cool them on wire racks before slicing. However, feel free to enjoy a slice right out of the oven for a warm, comforting treat!
Serving Suggestions:
- Create delicious grilled sandwiches using slices of Sweet Challah Bread.
- Pair with classic accompaniments like baked beans, thick beef stew, or a drizzle of olive oil with herbs and black pepper.
- Elevate desserts by using Sweet Challah Bread in bread pudding recipes.
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle your favorite cheese over the loaves during the last 2 minutes of baking for an irresistible cheesy challah bread variation.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 1599.3
- Total Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Cholesterol: 506.9mg
- Sodium: 1402.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 271.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 102.3g
- Protein: 34.9g
Enjoy Your Sweet Challah Bread Experience! π
