Rich, eggy challah is a whole lot like French brioche, so, wanting to have both around this weekend for Shabbat/French toast purposes, I decided to make one big batch of dough and then bake it two different ways. The directions below describe how to make either challah or brioche, but feel free to do as I did, and divide the dough in half, yielding one small challah and one small brioche loaf.
Note: If you keep kosher and want to serve the challah with a meat meal, use margarine or vegetable oil instead of the butter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour, plus more for the pan and kneading Pantry
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted (let it cool until it is warm, but not hot) $1.50 for a stick
- 1 packet dry active yeast $1.50
- 2 tbsp plus 1/3 cup sugar Pantry
- 6 eggs, lightly beaten, divided $1.50 for 6
- 1 tsp salt Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil Pantry
Recipe Serves 6-8
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then turn it off, to create a warm (but not hot) place for the dough to rise.
- Lightly flour a baking sheet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and butter. Add the yeast and 2 tbsp of the sugar and stir gently. Let activate for 4-5 minutes until it begins to foam slightly.
- Add 5 of the eggs, the remaining sugar, the salt and the flour and stir to combine. You should have a very soft dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes, until the dough is very elastic (this can also be done in a stand-up mixer).
- Roll the kneaded dough into a large ball.
- Drizzle about 2 tbsp of oil into a large bowl and place the dough in the bowl. Turn the dough over in the bowl to make sure it's completely covered with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a dish towel, then put in the warm oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until dough has increased by about 2/3.
- *To make challah:* Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Punch the risen dough down to push the air out of it, then turn out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 3 equal balls, then roll each ball into a 12" rope. "Braid the ropes together":http://theshiksa.com/2010/08/26/challah-bread-part-2-how-to-braid-challah/ and transfer the braided loaf to the prepared baking sheet.
- Combine the remaining egg with 2 tbsp water and whisk well with a fork, to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the top of the braided dough with the egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired, and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden-brown on the outside, and hollow-sounding, when rapped gently on the bottom. Let cool slightly, before serving.
- *To make brioche:* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 1 large (or two medium) bread(s) pan.
- On a floured surface, shape the dough into a smooth oval. Pack the smoothed dough into the bread pan, brush lightly with the egg wash (see challah instructions) and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before turning onto a cooling rack or cutting board and slicing.
- Recipe serves 6-8, depending on bread shape.
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What They're Saying
maureen@orgasmicchef.com, on Feb 10, 01:33 PM, wrote:
I love recipes you can make a big batch of and use two different ways. The bread looks really good!
Sue Cellini aka The Pocket Farmer, on Feb 10, 04:31 PM, wrote:
Hi! I love your blog and I would like to recognize you by awarding your blog the Versatile Blogger Award!
If you would like to accept it, please go to my blog to receive it here:
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Thanks for sharing!
Sue (The Pocket Farmer)
Sue Moss, on Mar 1, 02:55 PM, wrote:
I proof my dough in the microwave by boiling a 1 cup jug of water in it, take it out and put the bowl of dough in. The warm moist atmosphere is ideal. Thankyou for your recipes, they are inspiration in my kitchen (although Australian prices seem much higher than American).
Eric Morrison, on Dec 23, 09:09 AM, wrote:
I made two loafs of french brioche. I served sliced bread with dinner instead of rolls and then again in the morning as french toast with berries and maple syrup. My house guests said it should be illegal to make this bread since it is so delicious! Challah is made without butter, just eggs. Vegan bread is made without eggs and butter. Instead use vegan shortening and non-dairy milk, i.e. almond milk, coconut milk or soy milk. If you want a sleight nutty flavor try almond milk. There simply isn’t anything like homemade bread fresh from the oven and makes a perfect inexpensive gift!
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Challah and brioche are both types of bread that are characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture. Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is braided and often served on the Sabbath, while brioche is a French bread that is often used for pastries and desserts.
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