DessertsPareveBy Rebbetzin Miriam’s Kitchen

Traditional Golden Braided Challah

Name: Traditional Golden Braided Challah
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups High-gluten unbleached flour; 1.5 cups Warm water (105-110°F); 1 tbsp Active dry yeast; 0.5 cup Pure clover honey; 0.5 cup Vegetable oil; 3 Large eggs (room temp) (2 for dough, 1 for egg wash); 1 tbsp Kosher salt; 2 tbsp Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for topping)

An iconic Shabbat egg challah with a shiny golden crown, soft pillowy interior, and honey glaze.

Prep Time

30 mins (+ 2 hrs rising)

Cook Time

35 mins

Difficulty

Medium

Yield / Servings

8 Servings

Ingredients

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6 cups High-gluten unbleached flourPantry Counter

1.5 cups Warm water (105-110°F)

1 tbsp Active dry yeast

0.5 cup Pure clover honey

0.5 cup Vegetable oil

3 Large eggs (room temp)

2 for dough, 1 for egg wash

1 tbsp Kosher salt

2 tbsp Sesame seeds or poppy seeds

for topping

Preparation Steps

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In a large bowl, whisk warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp of honey. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Add remaining honey, vegetable oil, and 2 beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently.

Gradually stir in 4 cups of flour along with the kosher salt until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Divide dough into 3 or 6 equal strands. Roll out each strand and braid tightly. Transfer braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover loosely and let rise for another 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaf generously with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Bake for 32-35 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Rabbinic Culinary Tips

• For extra fluffy challah, take the Challah portion with a Bracha before braiding.

• Brush twice with egg wash—once before second rise and once right before entering the oven for a deep gloss.

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