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Ultimate Rosh Hashanah Challah

On Rosh Hashanah we try to eat sweet things for a sweet new year. This challah is the perfect way to start your meal. See braiding video tutorial below.
Ultimate Rosh Hashanah Challah
Yield 6 braided challah loaves

Ingredients

Dough

  • 5 cups warm water ((110-115°F))
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 (0.25oz each) packages (35g) or 3 tablespoons plus 3 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
  • 3 extra large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons table salt
  • 20 cups (2268g) or 5 pounds all-purpose
  • 2-3 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) margarine, softened

Instructions

  • Prepare the crumb topping: Combine flour, sugar, and margarine. Mix to form coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  • Make the dough: Begin by using 4 cups of warm water. Combine water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer; stir to combine. Stir and let sit 5-10 minutes.
  • Add eggs, oil and salt. Add 1/3 of the flour, mix until combined. Add another 1/3 flour, and mix just until combined. Add the last 1/3 of the flour. Add remaining water (or just as much as needed for a nice sticky dough). Mix for 10 minutes on high speed.
  • Remove dough from mixer and place in a large mixing bowl. Smear the top of the dough with a little oil. Cover and let rise 2 hours.
  • Prepare baking sheets: spray with baking spray or line with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • Turn dough out onto a clean countertop. Divide dough into 6 equal parts. Braid each part and place in pans. Cover and let rise on the counter until it doubles in size, 1 to 1½ hours). (See notes.)
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  • Brush challah with beaten egg and place crumbs on top. Bake in oven 45-50 minutes, tops should be golden and bottom should sound hollow when you tap it. (See notes.)

Notes

This recipe was developed using a Bosch (silver bowl) mixer that fits 5lbs of flour. You can halve the recipe to fit in a standard stand mixer.
If your oven can not fit all 6 loaves at one time, only braid and proof 3 loaves first, then braid and proof (on counter) remaining loaves while the first set is baking.
Recipe by Leah Schapira from Kosher.com.