Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen? Look no further! This easy challah bread recipe with honey is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks. It's a delicious and impressive loaf that's surprisingly simple to make, transforming your kitchen into a bakery in just a few hours. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner addition, a special weekend treat, or a delightful contribution to a potluck, this recipe delivers a fluffy, golden-brown masterpiece. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delightful recipe for one of the best recipes for challah bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or sesame seeds (for topping, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This simple step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined. This creates the base of your delicious challah dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, resulting in a softer, more tender loaf. This is a key step in many food recipes, and particularly important for this challah bread recipe.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm oven (with the light on) can be a great place for this.
Step 6: Shape the Challah
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 18 inches long). Braid the three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 8: Bake the Challah
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or sesame seeds, if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the challah cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade challah bread!
Tips for the Best Challah:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your bread will taste.
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Let the dough rise properly: Adequate rising time is essential for a light and airy texture.
- Don't open the oven frequently while baking: This can cause the bread to collapse.
Variations:
- Add raisins or cranberries: Incorporate dried fruits into the dough for a sweeter challah.
- Use different types of flour: Experiment with bread flour or whole wheat flour for variations in texture and flavor.
- Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a warm and comforting spice note.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 5-7g Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 45-55g
This easy challah bread recipe with honey is perfect for a quick homemade bread that's both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread! It's a recipe you'll want to make again and again.