Challah is a traditional Jewish egg bread that is perfect for the Jewish holiday or Shabbat. These delicious challah rolls are sweet, light, and fluffy with caramelized edges from the oven. Perfect base for buttering and toasting, or for sandwiches and appetizers.
Step-by-step: Mini challah rolls, single braid challah
Yeast mixture – In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine warm water (110 F), yeast, honey, oil, and eggs. Stir and set aside to foam for 3 mins. Dry mixture – Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook.
Knead – Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine well on medium-low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 18 to 20 minutes on medium-low in the stand mixer or about 20 to 25 minutes by hand on a lightly dusted work surface. Bowl – When the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic, shape it into a ball. Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.
Rise – Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in volume. Punch – When the dough is double in volume, transfer it to a well-dusted floured surface. Punch down and reshape into a ball. Then, roll it into a small log.
Divide – Using a dough scraper divide this log into four portions and then each of those portions into 3 again. This should give you 12 dinner rolls.Pro tip – These are 12 rolls each 110 grams but you can also make 16 smaller rolls each 85 grams. Ropes – Shape each into a ball. If necessary, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll each ball with a rolling pin on an un-floured work surface. Then, roll like jelly roll into a rope about 16 to 18 inches long (see video)
Single braid challah – Braid the challah using a single rope. Start by shaping into a number six. Loop the top in a knot, twist the bottom, then anchor the top into the bottom. As shown in the progress pictures and video. Proof – Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 45 to 60 minutes.
Oven – About 20 minutes before baking preheat the oven to 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4 Bake – Brush the bread with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Then, bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool – Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, cover it with a clean kitchen cloth to keep it soft.
Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to use challah bread
French toast casserole – Cut the challah into thick slices, soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, and then bake them in a casserole dish. Serve these challah French toast with maple syrup and fresh fruits for a delightful breakfast or brunch dish. Challah bread pudding – Transform leftover or slightly stale challah into a rich and decadent bread pudding. Combine cubed challah with a custard mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and favorite flavors like chocolate, caramel, or berries. Bake until golden and set for a delightful dessert. Savory bread stuffing – Use challah bread instead of traditional white bread in your Thanksgiving or holiday stuffing. The slight sweetness of the challah adds a unique twist to the savory dish. Grilled cheese sandwiches – Elevate your grilled cheese game by using challah bread slices instead of regular sandwich bread. The thickness and texture of challah make for a delicious and indulgent sandwich experience. Challah bread croutons – Cube challah bread and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Bake until crispy to create delicious homemade croutons for salads or soups. Bread bruschetta – Cut challah into thin slices, toast them, and top with fresh tomato, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze for a unique twist on classic bruschetta. Challah bread panzanella – Make a delightful panzanella salad using cubed and toasted challah bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Sweet bread pudding parfait – Layer chunks of challah bread pudding with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and nuts to create a delightful dessert parfait.
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