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Amanda Spiro’s Favorite Challah Recipe

Course Appetizer
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours

Ingredients

  • 12 cups flour divided
  • 2 tbsp yeast
  • 4 cups warm water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • 3 eggs divided
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • Additional Pinch or sugar or a dollop of honey
  • Sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds optional

Instructions

  • Add yeast to warm water. Sprinkle some sugar or honey, let it activate and dissolve
  • Add sugar, oil, 2 eggs and salt, mix together.
  • Add 10 cups of flour slowly
  • Use 1-2 more cups of flour if needed to knead.
  • Knead till all ingredients are blended well
  • Grease the bowl and then place dough and cover with a towel
  • Leave to rise for one hour, check by punching down and wait another hour (should be doubled in size)
  • Egg wash top - sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top
  • Preheat the oven to 350F, bake for 30-35 minutes
  • Enjoy!

How to Braid

  • Divide your dough into the number of strands you’ll need, making sure each portion is equal in volume. For example, if you’re making a three strand challah, divide your dough into three equal portions. Shaping them out into equal (ish) strands
  • For those of you who know how to braid hair, this should come naturally to you. Pinch the 3 strands together at one end. Fan out the 3 strands. Left over center, (left now becomes center) right over center and continue until you've reached the end.
  • Pinch the three strands together at the end.

Rolls

  • Use your challah dough to make some pretty and delicious challah dinner rolls! Roll your dough into several small equal-sized strands that are about 9 inches long. For each strand, start by tying a knot in the dough.
  • Pinch the two loose ends together to create a roll shape.

Notes

Note - ingredients list can made 4-10 challahs depending on desired size and shape.