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Everything Bagel Challah

This six-strand braided bread is enriched with honey, oil, and eggs for a soft crumb that’s rich and slightly sweet. The everything bagel seasoning on top truly takes it over the top. Watch the how-to video below for braiding tips.
Everything Bagel Challah
Yield 1 large braided loaf

Ingredients

  • 10 tablespoons (150g) lukewarm water, divided (85°F/29°C to 90°F/32°C)
  • 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast
  • 4 2/3 cups (592g) bread flour, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (24g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (13.5g) kosher salt (see note)
  • 1/4 cup (56g) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 3 large (150g) eggs, divided (room temperature)
  • 3 large (56g) large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (14g) everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 6 tablespoons (90g) lukewarm water and yeast until dissolved. Add 1 cup (127g) flour; using the paddle attachment, beat at low speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Add 3⅓ cups (423g) flour, sugar, and salt to sponge. Switch to the dough hook attachment.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, honey, 2 eggs (100g), egg yolks, and 3 tablespoons (45g) lukewarm water. Add to flour mixture, and beat at low speed until dough comes together and is smooth and elastic, 5 to 6 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl and dough hook; add up to remaining ⅓ cup (42g) flour, about 1 tablespoon (8g) at a time, if dough is too sticky. Turn out dough onto a very lightly floured surface, and shape into a smooth round.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let stand in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 1½ to 2 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Punch down dough, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 6 portions (about 182g each), and roll each portion into a rope about 20 inches long, tapering ends slightly. Lay ropes vertically on work surface (ends of the ropes pointing toward you). Pinch ends of ropes farthest away from you in 2 groups of 3, making sure ropes are spread out; pinch both groups together into one end. Lay ropes in a pattern left to right of 1 strand, 2 strands, 2 strands, and 1 strand. (This will help keep things straight.) Cross outside single strands, left over right, over pinched end of dough. Bring top right rope down to center; bring outside left rope up to replace top right rope. Bring top left rope to center; bring outside right rope up to replace top right rope. Repeat until you reach end of ropes. Pinch ends together to seal, and tuck under. Lift, and place diagonally on prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, 1 to 1½ hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 egg (50g) and remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) lukewarm water. Generously brush loaves with egg wash. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
  • Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), 30 to 40 minutes, covering with foil halfway through baking to prevent excess browning. Let cool on pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Salt weight and volume vary by brand. Diamond Crystal kosher salt was used in this recipe (1 tablespoon is 9 grams). If you a have different brand or type of salt, use the weight listed in the recipe, not the volume measurement. If you do not have a scale, check your brand’s website for what the equivalent volume measurement is for the weight listed in this recipe.
 
Recipe by Bake From Scratch.