Jewish and Israeli Food

Our Favorite Classic & Unique Challah Recipes

It’s time for our challah recipe roundup! Learn how to make classic challah as well as fun flavors and shapes – including the Star of David challah that’s going viral as a way of showing Jewish unity and pride.

Every traditional shabbat meal starts with two loaves of bread following the kiddush blessing said over wine or grape juice, and for many families that means challah! This iconic Jewish braided bread has been made by many communities over the generations, with numerous recipe variations. Making homemade challah yourself is not as daunting as you may think – especially with these easy-to-follow recipes below!

And while you’re getting your challah ready for your next shabbat, don’t forget to check out our beautiful challah serving essentials from Israel to really elevate your shabbat table!

 

1. Classic Egg Challah
AdobeStock_487741478

We're starting off with the iconic, soft, braided challah made with eggs and oil that you're probably already familiar with, especially if you come from an Ashkenazi tradition.

 

Braiding challah dough

 

Your entire family will love beginning their shabbat or holiday meals with this delicious challah, sure to form lasting memories while giving that special taste of home!

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
Israeli-Tableware-2021-cat-m
2. Israeli-Sephardi Water Challah
AdobeStock_539906803

This simple yet superstar-quality challah already made a splash at our Israeli summer shabbat recipe roundup earlier this year, but we just couldn't resist featuring it again!

While many American Jews think of challah as an egg bread, the most popular type of challah in Israel is actually a mostly-eggless version hailing from the Sephardi community, with only a light egg wash on the outside but using water instead of eggs in the dough itself. For this reason it's colloquially known as "water challah."

 

Varieties of water challah being sold at Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, Israel

 

This Israeli recipe for fluffy, delicious water challah will certainly be a hit at your next family gathering.

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
3. Cinnamon-Raisin Round Challah
Round challah bread for rosh hashanah, Jewish New Year

You may already be familiar with sweet, round challah as a High Holiday food, particularly as part of a traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner. But this unique and scrumptious recipe deserves to shine year-round!

Wow your family and guests with this fabulous challah with a sweet filling made of cinnamon, sugar, and raisins. The round, spiral shape makes it an eye-catching shabbat table centerpiece, and there's no braiding required.

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
4. Vegan Challah
challah

While challah is generally well-known for its iconic egg wash, you can also make a vegan version without sacrificing on taste or flair. This adaptation of a traditional Ashkenazi recipe from Eastern Europe instead features a sweet syrup for the outer glaze, so no one at your shabbat table will even know anything is missing.

This vegan-friendly recipe already graced our shabbat winter menu lineup, and we're sure it'll please your every guest no matter their diet!

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
set_ptc-1a_aa_j_u_2
5. Star of David Challah
AdobeStock_665718770-2048x1365

The hottest new challah is the Star of David challah!

Challahs shaped to resemble the iconic Star of David have been taking social media by storm as of late, as part of a general trend of Jews showing unity and pride in the face of rising antisemitism and the war in Israel.

And it's actually easier than it looks! Follow this recipe to make your own star-shaped challah, and you'll have the most special and unique bread to make your shabbat extra meaningful.

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
6. Pretzel Challah
AdobeStock_351364435

Challah dough is surprisingly versatile, so why not surprise your family with something new? Give this fun recipe a try, transforming the classic challah dough into soft pretzels with only a couple ingredient additions and a few extra steps.

Don't forget the salt, and then serve your pretzels with mustard, ketchup, or even dipped in tehina or sprinkled with za'atar for a little something from the Land of Israel!

Click here to get the recipe!

btn
7. Nutella & Roasted Hazelnut Dairy Challah
AdobeStock_415165045

It's time for the beloved challah to become dessert! This eccentric yet super-tasty version of the classic Jewish bread incorporates the kid-friendly condiment that Israeli parents swear by - Nutella, or any other chocolate spread of your choice - along with roasted hazelnuts, honey, and butter.

While challah purists may say that a real challah should remain dairy-free so that it's kosher to eat with meat, if you're looking to serve something sweet and challah-inspired at the end of a meatless meal, this irresistible recipe is a must-try.

Click here to get the recipe!

 

 

Get your shabbat table ready with our beautiful designer tableware and shabbat Judaica by top Israeli artists, including unbeatable challah serving essentials such as trays, covers, knives, and salt shakers!

btn
SHABBAT-JUDAICA_category_mobile

JWS POST YOU MAY LIKE

temple-model-1024x348-1
17th of Tammuz: Mourning Jerusalem
This Tuesday, July 23, 2024, marks the Fast of the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, a very
Jewish men praying in a synagogue with tallit
Everything You Need To Know About the Tallit
The Tallit is perhaps the most recognizable and universal Jewish ritual object, with a rich history going back millennia. Despite
Israeli flag in the wind
The Meaning of the Israeli Flag
While a flag is essentially a piece of cloth used to distinguish and identify regions, nations, organizations, etc., the choice
Independence day  (Yom Haatzmaut) in israel. Hanging official flag waving on wind with Star of David on it against trees.
The Amazing Story of Israel’s Forests
A century ago, the landscape of Israel was suffering from severe deforestation and was a stark contrast from its current
Beautiful rays of sunlight in a green forest
Plant a Tree in Israel with Your Purchase
For every purchase of $100 and up on our site through July 22nd, we will donate to Keren Kayemet LeYisrael
The concept of political relationships the United States with Is
The History of the US-Israel Relationship
This week, millions of Americans will gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July.