18 Jewish Braided Bread Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Bread is a staple food in most cultures and has been a part of human diets for centuries. In the Jewish culture, bread holds a special significance and is an integral part of many religious ceremonies and celebrations. One of the most popular and beloved bread recipes in Jewish cuisine is the braided bread, also known as challah. This delicious bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of unity and togetherness. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of this traditional Jewish braided bread and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Active Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Water
No list of braided bread would be complete without the classic Jewish Challah Bread. This soft and rich bread is perfect for any occasion, and the braided design adds a beautiful touch to your table. Using honey and olive oil in the dough gives it a subtle sweetness and a soft texture. Serve it with your favorite spreads or use it to make delicious sandwiches.
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Braided Egg Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Salt, Warm Water
For those following a vegan diet, this recipe is for you. This Vegan Challah Bread is just as delicious as the traditional version, but without the use of eggs. Instead, flaxseed meal and water are used to create a binding agent, resulting in a moist and flavorful bread. Serve it with your favorite vegan spreads or use it to make a tasty vegan French toast.
This Four-Strands Braided Egg Bread is a step up from the traditional three-strands braided bread. The extra strand adds a new level of intricacy and makes for a stunning presentation. Eggs are added to the dough, giving it a richer flavor and a beautiful golden color. This bread is perfect for special occasions and holidays and is sure to impress your guests.
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Braided Challah Bread
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Honey, Water, Salt, Bread Flour
If you're a fan of rye bread, this Jewish Rye Bread is a must-try. The combination of rye flour and bread flour gives this bread a hearty and slightly tangy flavor, while the braided design adds a delicate touch. Serve it with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a delicious sandwich or enjoy it toasted with some cream cheese for a tasty breakfast.
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Braided Pesto Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Flour, Olive Oil, Salt, Pesto
This Braided Challah Bread is a classic recipe that never gets old. Using honey and eggs in the dough gives this bread a soft and slightly sweet flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a snack with your favorite toppings.
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Braided Sweet Potato Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Sweet Potato, Milk, Butter, Egg
This Braided Pesto Bread is a unique twist on the classic braided bread. The addition of pesto to the dough gives this bread a burst of flavor and a beautiful green color. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
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4 Strands Braided Jewish Bread–Challah (犹太辫子面包）
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Lukewarm Water, Honey, Vegetable
If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, this Braided Sweet Potato Bread is a must-try. The mashed sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to the bread. Serve it with some honey butter for a delicious and comforting treat.
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Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, Whole Milk, Unsalted Butter
This 4 Strands Braided Jewish Bread-Challah is a popular recipe in Chinese cuisine, often referred to as 犹太辫子面包 (Jewish Braided Bread). The four strands add an extra level of complexity to the braiding process, resulting in a stunning and impressive final product. Serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own with your favorite spreads.
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Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Egg, Melted
Combine two delicious treats into one with this Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread. The braided design adds a unique twist to the classic cinnamon roll, while the cinnamon sugar filling adds a delicious burst of flavor. Serve it for breakfast or as a dessert for a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Sugar, Egg, Butter, Salt, Flour
This Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread is a must-try for bread lovers. The citrus zest and rum in the dough give it a unique and delicious flavor, while the braided design adds a beautiful touch. Raisins and walnuts are often added for extra texture and flavor. Serve it with your favorite jams or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Oil, Warm Water, Bell
This Braided Sweet Bread is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for any occasion. The dough is lightly sweetened with sugar, giving it a subtle sweetness that pairs well with any topping or filling. Serve it for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a dessert for a delicious and satisfying treat.
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Braided Nutella Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Milk, Butter, Egg
Take your braided bread to the next level with this Stuffed Braided Bread recipe. The dough is filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables, cheese, and herbs, giving it a delicious and satisfying filling. Tomatoes, spinach, and basil are just some of the ingredients that can be used to create this tasty stuffed bread. Serve it as a main dish or as a side for a complete meal.
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Kalács, the Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Fresh Yeast, Butter, Wheat
Nutella lovers, this one's for you. This Braided Nutella Bread is a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The braided design adds a beautiful touch, while the Nutella filling adds a delicious burst of chocolate and hazelnut flavor. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as a special breakfast treat.
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Homemade Chicken Bread Roll-Braided and Stuffed...
Main Ingredients: Chicken, All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Milk Powder
Kalács, also known as Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread, is a popular bread in Hungarian cuisine. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a rich and soft texture, while the braided design adds a beautiful touch. Serve it with your favorite jams or enjoy it on its own for a tasty snack.
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Braided Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Yeast, Sugar, Salt, 1 Milk, Vegetable
This Homemade Chicken Bread Roll is a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. The dough is braided and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, vegetables, and cheese, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own for a delicious and filling dinner.
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Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour
Another delicious variation of the classic cinnamon roll, this Braided Cinnamon Raisin Bread is a must-try for any bread lover. The dough is filled with a cinnamon sugar mixture and raisins, giving it a burst of flavor and texture. Serve it for breakfast or as a dessert for a delicious and comforting treat.
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BRAIDED HAZELNUT BREAD
Main Ingredients: Milk, Yeast, Sugar, Butter, Flour, Salt, Hazelnut
This Braided Bread is a simple and versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any taste. The dough is lightly sweetened with sugar, making it perfect for both sweet and savory fillings. Serve it as a side dish or use it to make delicious sandwiches for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Jewish Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Shortening, All Purpose Flour, Apples, Sugar, Ground
Add a nutty twist to your braided bread with this BRAIDED HAZELNUT BREAD recipe. The dough is filled with a delicious and creamy hazelnut spread, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as a special breakfast treat.
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Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Bananas, Canola Oil, Granulated
This Classic Jewish Apple Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and walnuts gives this cake a delicious and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as a sweet snack.
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Herbed Garlic Bread
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Salted Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Looking for a way to use up those overripe bananas? Look no further than this delicious Banana Bread recipe. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, while the braided design adds a beautiful touch. Serve it for breakfast or as a snack for a tasty and satisfying treat.
The History of Jewish Braided Bread
The Origins
The origins of Jewish braided bread can be traced back to ancient times, specifically to the time of the Israelites in Egypt. According to the Bible, when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, they were not allowed to keep their own customs and traditions. However, they still managed to secretly celebrate the Sabbath by baking a special bread that was braided and twisted. This bread became known as challah, which comes from the Hebrew word "challah" meaning "portion" or "tithe."
The Symbolism
In Jewish tradition, challah is a symbol of unity and togetherness. The braided shape of the bread represents the intertwining of the Jewish people and their connection to each other and to God. The three strands of the braid are also said to represent the three pillars of Jewish life – Torah, prayer, and acts of kindness.
The Significance
Challah is not just a bread, it holds a special significance in Jewish culture. It is traditionally eaten on the Sabbath and other religious holidays, and is also often used as a symbol during important life events such as weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. In addition, challah is also given as a gift to friends and family to spread joy and blessings.
The Recipe for Jewish Braided Bread
Now that we have explored the history and significance of Jewish braided bread, let's dive into the recipe so you can try making it at home. Here is a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for delicious and authentic challah.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add in the vegetable oil, eggs, and salt and mix well.
Gradually add in the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a long strand and braid them together.
Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brush the top of the braided bread with beaten egg and sprinkle with cpoppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
In Conclusion
Jewish braided bread, also known as challah, is a delicious and meaningful bread that has been a part of Jewish culture for centuries. Its origins, symbolism, and significance make it more than just a food, but a beloved tradition. So next time you enjoy a slice of challah, remember the history and meaning behind this beloved bread.
