# A foolproof challah recipe, step by step

- Link: https://www.challahbake.org/resource/foolproof-challah-recipe/
- Published: 2026-10-22T12:15:48-04:00
- Author: Shira

If you only learn one challah, make it this one. It is the everyday Shabbat loaf:
a soft, slightly sweet dough that rises reliably, braids beautifully and bakes up
deep golden. Below is the full recipe, followed by the small habits that make the
difference.

![](https://www.challahbake.org/wp-content/plugins/challah-bake/assets/img/baking-
together.jpg)

Recipe

### Classic Weekly Challah

The everyday Shabbat loaf: soft, golden and forgiving, perfect for a first bake.
Makes two loaves.

Total time3 hr 30 min

Hands-on35 min

Makes2 loaves

LevelEasy

 [Scale it and save it ](https://www.challahbake.org/recipe/classic-weekly-challah/)
[Use in a bake](https://www.challahbake.org/dashboard/#/bakes/new?recipe=92)

#### Ingredients

 * **6 cups** bread flour (750 g)
 * **2 1/4 tsp** instant yeast (7 g)
 * **1/2 cup** sugar (100 g)
 * **2 tsp** salt (12 g)
 * **1 cup** warm water (240 g)
 * **1/3 cup** neutral oil (80 g)
 * **2** eggs, plus 1 for the wash
 *  sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

#### Method

 1. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add the water, oil and eggs and mix until
    a shaggy dough forms.
 2. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. _10 min_
 3. Cover and let rise until doubled. _1 hr 30 min_
 4. Divide into two, then each into three strands. Braid and place on a lined tray.
 5. Cover and rest until puffy. _40 min_
 6. Brush with beaten egg, add seeds, brush again. Bake at 175 C (350 F) until deep
    golden. _32 min_

**Tip:** Cool on a rack. Freezes beautifully. This batch is under the flour amount
for hafrashat challah.

## Why this recipe works

 * **Bread flour** has more protein than all-purpose, which gives a springy, chewy
   crumb that holds a braid.
 * **Oil, not butter,** keeps the loaf pareve and means you can serve it with any
   meal.
 * **Weighing the flour** (750 g) removes the biggest cause of dense challah: too
   much flour packed into the cup.
 * **A two-stage rise** develops flavor, and the second rest after braiding gives
   the loaf its lift in the oven.

## Make it your own

Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, fold in cinnamon sugar before braiding, or 
swap a quarter of the flour for whole wheat. Want the details? See our [braiding guide](https://www.challahbake.org/resource/how-to-braid-challah/),
and if something goes wrong, our [troubleshooting guide](https://www.challahbake.org/resource/challah-troubleshooting/)
has the fix.

This batch uses 750 g of flour, which is under the amount where challah is separated
with a blessing. Baking for a crowd? The [hafrashat challah guide](https://www.challahbake.org/resource/hafrashat-challah-step-by-step/)
explains the amounts and customs, and our big-batch recipe is built for it.

## More to try

![](https://www.challahbake.org/wp-content/plugins/challah-bake/assets/img/challah-
braid.jpg)

Recipe

### Honey Round Challah

A sweet spiral loaf for Rosh Hashanah and other special occasions. Makes one large
round challah.

Total time3 hr 40 min

Hands-on35 min

Makes1 loaf

LevelMedium

A sweet spiral for the new year.

 [View the full recipe ](https://www.challahbake.org/recipe/honey-round-challah/)
[Use in a bake](https://www.challahbake.org/dashboard/#/bakes/new?recipe=94)

![](https://www.challahbake.org/wp-content/plugins/challah-bake/assets/img/challah-
rolls.jpg)

Recipe

### Whole Wheat Honey Challah

Nutty, tender and still soft. Half whole wheat flour gives flavor without making
the loaf heavy. Makes two loaves.

Total time3 hr 40 min

Hands-on35 min

Makes2 loaves

LevelMedium

Nutty, wholesome and still soft.

 [View the full recipe ](https://www.challahbake.org/recipe/whole-wheat-honey-challah/)
[Use in a bake](https://www.challahbake.org/dashboard/#/bakes/new?recipe=95)