Best Challah Recipe

Black Section Separator

The BEST challah recipe ever! Braided and packed with fresh parmesan pesto, cooked until golden.  

Ingredient

For the Challah – 3/4 cup water 105-115°F – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – .25 ounces fast-acting dry yeast – 1 large egg – 3 large egg yolks – 2 tablespoons honey – 1/4 cup vegetable oil – 1 teaspoon salt – 3 3/4 – 4 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour For the Pesto – 2 cups fresh basil packed – 1/4 cup olive oil – 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan – 1/4 cup pine nut – 1 garlic clove minced – 1/2 teaspoon salt For the Egg Wash – 1 large egg yolk – 1 tablespoon water – sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Introduction 

Mix the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and warm water (105°F-115°F) in a large basin or stand mixer. Whisk yeast dissolution. Leave 5-10 minutes to foam. 

Step 1

Mix in remaining sugar, egg, egg yolks, honey, oil, and salt. Slowly add flour. Knead dough by hand or with a hook attachment for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Grease a bowl and add dough.  

Step 2

Leave the bowl covered with plastic wrap in a warm, draft-free spot for two hours to virtually double in size. While challah rises, create pesto. 

Step 3

Make a paste of basil and olive oil in a food processor. Add additional ingredients and pulse until smooth. Adjust salt to taste. Set aside. Split the dough in three. 

Step 4

Make lengthy ropes from each dough piece. Let the ropes sit for 5 minutes to relax the gluten before rolling again if they shrink. Hand-flatten each rope and fill it with 1/3 pesto. 

Step 5

Seal each strand, pinch the three at one end, and carefully braid, tucking the ends beneath the bread. Parchment a baking sheet. Carefully place the challah on the baking sheet. 

Step 6

Cover loosely with plastic and let rise again for 30 minutes until soft and fluffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the egg yolk with water and brush it on the challah. 

Step 7

Top with sesame seeds if using. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Use a thermometer to check completion at 195°F-200°F. Slice after 30 minutes of cooling.  

Step 8

Nutrition

-Calories: 346kcal -Carbohydrates: 46g -Protein: 8g -Fat: 14g -Saturated Fat: 3g -Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g -Monounsaturated Fat: 6g -Trans Fat: 0.03g -Cholesterol: 80mg -Sodium: 369mg -Potassium: 100mg -Fiber: 2g -Sugar: 12g -Vitamin A: 349IU -Vitamin C: 1mg -Calcium: 75mg -Iron: 3mg

Also See

Fireball Apple Bread Pudding Easiest Recipe Ever