Challah

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:58:17 GMT

Step 1

In a stand mixer bowl, add the flour and sea salt

Step 2

Microwave the water to exactly 95F and add the yeast. Let that sit for 5 minutes

Step 3

Prep the rest of the ingredients. Remember to save one of the egg whites for the egg wash!

Step 4

Put the dough hook on the mixer and turn it on at a low speed

Step 5

Slowly add in the water/yeast mixture, honey, eggs, and oil

Step 6

Stir until the dough is ready. If it's too flaky, add a small amount of water

Step 7

When the dough is ready, pull it out and lightly hand knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth and shape into a ball

Step 8

Lightly oil a medium mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and place inside the oven (OFF) with just the light on for 1 hour (about 76F)

Step 9

Lightly stretch and fold the dough over itself to the middle and repeat around the entire dough. Flip it over so the seam is down, cover it, and place back in the oven (still off with just the light on) for 1 more hour

Step 10

Very lightly dust a surface with flour and separate the dough into 4 equal-weight pieces

Step 11

Shape each piece into a log shape. Fold one end over to the center and repeat on the other side. Tightly pinch the dough closed and smooth it out

Step 12

Cover all 4 logs with the plastic wrap and let it sit for 15 minutes

Step 13

One at a time, lighty roll out the dough to about 12-15 inches. If it springs back too quickly, let it sit for 5 more minutes, do not force it

Step 14

(All references to braid numbers are from left to right) Place all 4 pieces next to each other, pinch and roll together on one end, and fold underneath

Step 15

Cross braid 1 over all the way to the right

Step 16

Cross braid 3 over all the way to the left

Step 17

Cross braid 4 to the middle (between 2 and 3)

Step 18

"Replace" that previous braid 4 with braid 2 (so take braid 2 and cross it over all the way to the right)

Step 19

Cross braid 1 to the middle (between 2 and 3)

Step 20

"Replace" that previous braid 1 with braid 3 (so take braid 3 and cross it over all the way to the left)

Step 21

Repeat steps 18-21 until complete

Step 22

Pinch and roll the braids together and fold underneath

Step 23

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the challah in the center

Step 24

Whisk together the saved egg white (from step 3) with a splash of water

Step 25

Light brush the challah with the egg wash

Step 26

Place the challah in the oven (OFF) with the light on for 40 minutes

Step 27

Repeat steps 26 and 27 twice more for a total resting rise time of 2 hours, brushing with the egg wash each time

Step 28

After the 2 hours, poke the challah. If it's ready, it will spring back a little bit, but not all the way. If it doesn't, let it rise for more time. When it's ready, pull the challah out and preheat the oven to 375F

Step 29

Lightly brush the challah one last time and (optionally) lightly sprinkle with salt (or poppy/sesame seeds)

Step 30

Place the challah in the oven and immediately drop the temperature to 300F

Step 31

Bake for 40-50 minutes. If the top starts to darken too early, cover with tin foil

Step 32

When done, pull it out and let cool for a few minutes before serving

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