High-Altitude Challah

4.9
(24)

I make this high-altitude challah for my family and family gatherings in Colorado, which turns out beautifully each time. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! If you'd like, sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds before baking, but we never do.

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Prep Time:
2 hrs 45 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
14
Yield:
1 braided loaf
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 14 servings

  • 3 tablespoons white sugar, divided

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 egg yolks

  • ¼ cup milk, or as needed

  • ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 egg

Directions

  1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon sugar and yeast in warm water in a measuring cup. Let stand until the yeast dissolves and starts to foam, 5 to 10 minutes.

  2. Beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Put egg yolks in a measuring cup; add enough milk to equal 1/3 cup (including yolks). Add yolk mixture to beaten eggs; stir in yeast mixture, butter, salt and remaining 2 tablespoons plus 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Gradually mix in flour until dough is firm enough to handle.

  3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead until does not stick to your hands. You will probably use more flour while kneading. Place dough in a large lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

  4. Cut dough into 3 or 4 even portions; roll into long ropes. Braid ropes and tuck ends under. Place loaf on a baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise. Bread is ready to bake when your finger leaves an impression in the dough when pressed.

  5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. Whisk remaining 1 egg in a cup with a fork; brush onto loaf. This will give the bread a lovely golden color and delicious crust.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, about 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

35 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

181 Calories
5g Fat
27g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 14
Calories 181
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 292mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g 11%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 78mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.