If you have ever wanted to bake a timeless, soft, and slightly sweet bread that fills your kitchen with warmth and tradition, you have landed in the perfect spot. This Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe delivers that iconic golden crust and pillowy crumb, elevating every bite with the perfect balance of richness and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a beautifully braided loaf to accompany your meals, this recipe is your go-to for creating a stunning homemade challah that friends and family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a loaf of raw dough, braided with six thick strands. The dough is light yellow and smooth, with a soft texture and slight folds in the braid. The braid is long and placed on a flat dark gray surface with some white flour traces scattered on it. The braid looks well-made and neatly arranged in a tight pattern, with each strand evenly rounded and tucked into the braid ends, which are thicker and have more twisted layers. The dough is fresh and ready to be baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Challah relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a loaf bursting with flavor, softness, and beautiful color. Each component plays an essential role, from the yeast bringing airiness to the eggs enriching the texture and hue.

Active dry yeast (3 3/4 teaspoons): The magic agent that makes your challah rise to fluffy perfection.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness for that classic challah taste.
Lukewarm water (1 3/4 cups): Activates the yeast and brings everything together with the right temperature.
Olive or vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle richness.
Large eggs (4): Essential for structure, texture, and that gorgeous golden color.
Table salt (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour (8 to 8 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy base for your dough to rise and hold shape.
Raisins (1/2 cup per challah, optional): Adds a fruity surprise if you love a little sweetness in every bite; soak and drain for best results.
Egg for finishing (1 large): Brushed on top to create a shiny, inviting crust.
Poppy or sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the lukewarm water. Let it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns frothy and bubbly—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic during rising.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, the remaining sugar, and salt. Once combined, pour in the yeast mixture and give everything a good stir to bring all the flavors together in one luscious base.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until you form a dough. Don’t add all the flour at once—start with 8 cups and add more if the dough feels too sticky. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it’s soft and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten which gives challah that chewy texture you know and love. If you’re adding raisins, gently knead them in during the last few moments.

Step 5: First Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough inside, turning once to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the part where patience pays off—your bread will gain its lovely airy crumb.

Step 6: Shape the Challah

Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and braid each using three or more strands. The traditional three-strand braid is simple and classic, but feel free to get creative with four or six strands if you’re feeling fancy!

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the braided loaves on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover again with a towel and allow to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. This second rise ensures a soft interior and a beautiful loaf shape.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the remaining egg and brush it generously over the challah loaves to give them that signature glossy, golden crust. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if you like, then bake the loaves for about 35 to 40 minutes until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.

How to Serve Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe

A close-up side view of a loaf of braided bread sliced to show the inside. The bread has three golden brown braided layers on the top, with a shiny crust covered with small black seeds above a thick fluffy pale beige inside. The texture of the inside looks soft and a bit crumbly. The bread sits on a wooden surface with some crumbs scattered around, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance when serving challah for dessert, or a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds before baking offers a nutty crunch that complements the bread’s softness. Fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey also make for fabulous finishing touches.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe is that it pairs beautifully with everything from savory stews to sweet spreads. Try serving it alongside creamy chicken soup, a vibrant chopped salad, or a bowl of hummus to take full advantage of its slightly sweet flavor and tender crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

Use challah as a base for French toast that dreams are made of, or slice it thick and toast for exceptionally rich sandwiches. You can also cube and toast it for croutons or bread pudding, turning this classic bread into a star across multiple meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your challah in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it soft and fresh, ready to enjoy without losing any deliciousness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe at your leisure, freeze the fully cooled loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop slices or the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also toast slices directly for instant softness with a delightfully crispy edge.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the initial activation step and mix it directly into the flour. Just reduce the water slightly as needed, since instant yeast is more potent.

What’s the secret to a shiny challah crust?

The egg wash is key! Brushing the loaves with beaten egg before baking creates that signature shiny, golden finish that makes challah so irresistible.

Can I make challah without eggs?

Traditionally, eggs are essential for challah’s rich flavor and texture, but there are vegan variations. You can substitute eggs with ingredients like flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers, though the result will be slightly different.

Is it necessary to braid challah?

Braiding is traditional and gives the bread a beautiful shape, but it’s not absolutely required. You can bake it as a loaf or rolls if you prefer a simpler presentation.

How long does challah stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, challah stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. After that, it’s best to freeze any extras to preserve taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like pulling a warm, golden challah from the oven, with its enticing aroma filling your kitchen and that tender crumb waiting inside. I hope this Best Challah (Egg Bread) Recipe becomes one of your cherished staples, as it has been for me. Give it a try—your family and friends will thank you for sharing a slice of this comforting tradition.