1(1)large egg, plus 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
toppings, optional, see Recipe Notes
Instructions
Weigh the dough and portion out 4 or 6 equal pieces, cutting with a bench scraper. Shape each piece into a long rope. Lay all the ropes side by side on a lightly floured surface and pinch them together at the top. (Note: the instructions below are for a 4-strand braided challah)
Take topmost right strand and place it on opposite side.
Take 2nd from top left strand and place it on opposite side.
Take topmost left strand and place it in the middle.
Take 2nd from top right strand and place it on opposite side.
Take topmost right strand and place it in the middle.
Take 2nd from top left strand and place it on opposite side.
Take topmost left strand and place it in the middle.
Continue the pattern until all strands are braided.
Tuck the ends of the loaf underneath on both ends to give a neat finish. Adjust the braid ends and sides with your hands to make everything even.
Line a half baking sheet with a Silpat silicone mat or parchment paper. Transfer the shaped dough to the baking sheet, then cover with greased plastic wrap.
Let the shaped dough rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
For the egg wash, whisk together the beaten egg with the water. Brush the dough with the egg wash and sprinkle on any desired toppings.
Bake the dough for 25 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan front to back halfway through the baking time. When the loaf is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom (or reads 190 °F with a digital thermometer), remove it from the oven to cool.
Remove the finished loaf from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Slice (or tear), serve, and enjoy!
Challah will last for several days on the counter in an airtight container, and freezes beautifully.
Recipe Notes
Toppings are personal preference and are totally optional as well. Sesame seeks and poppy seeds are common, and cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar) is a fun alternative. I've also seen spice mixes being used. Get creative or leave it plain. Your choice!Six-strand braids use the same technique as the four-strand braid, it’s just you have to make sure when you place the strand in the middle, you have two strands on either side instead of one.