Homemade Challah Bread is a simple bread made with flour, yeast, sugar, water, eggs and oil. This simple bread is formed into a braid to make a beautiful loaf. This recipe makes 2 loaves.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast.
In a separate bowl, combine the water, eggs and avocado oil.
Make a hole in the center of the flour mixture and pour in liquids. Mix with a wooden spoon or in a stand mixer until a soft ball forms. Continue to knead for 5-10 minutes.
Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or greased plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Punch down and knead the dough on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Divide into two even pieces.
Cut the two pieces into three equal pieces and roll out into equal strands. Pinch three of the strands together and braid the loaf down to the other end. Pinch the ends together and fold under. Repeat with the other 3 pieces.
Place the braided loaves onto a greased baking sheet. Combine the one egg and one teaspoon water and brush over the tops and sides of the loaves.
Bake at 450º F for 10 minutes, then turn down the heat to 400º F and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the loaves are baked through.
Remove from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
Allow the bread to cool completely before placing into a plastic bag to store.