The Ultimate Homemade Challah Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect Every Time

Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) flour

• 3 tablespoons dry yeast (or 1 packet of instant yeast)

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons salt

• 6–7 cups lukewarm water

• ¾ cup oil

• 1 tablespoon dough improver (recommended)

Instructions

1. Place the yeast, sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of flour in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

2. Add the remaining flour, salt, and the rest of the water. Knead thoroughly until the ingredients come together.

3. Add the oil and continue kneading until you have a smooth, uniform dough.

4. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour.

5. Punch down the dough to release the air, then allow it to rise a second time.

6. Shape the dough into challahs using your preferred braiding style.

7. Place the challahs on baking trays and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

8. Brush the tops with a beaten egg mixed with ½ tablespoon of water, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, poppy seeds, or your favorite topping.

9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Optional Add-Ins

You can enrich the dough with a variety of additions, such as:

• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds

• 3 tablespoons dried fried onions

• Sliced black or green olives

• Sunflower seeds

• And more, according to your taste

Enjoy your freshly baked homemade challah!