Challah Bread In A Bag Recipe Made Easy And Delicious

Challah bread is a beloved, traditional Jewish bread known for its soft, fluffy texture and beautiful braided appearance. Baking challah at home can feel like a rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging task, especially when it comes to kneading the dough.

But what if we told you there’s a simpler, mess-free method that requires minimal effort and gives you the same delicious results? Welcome to the challah bread in a bag recipe — a unique and easy way to make this classic bread using just a resealable plastic bag!

This method eliminates the need for a mixer or a lot of cleanup, making it perfect for beginners or busy bakers. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just craving fresh bread, this recipe is sure to impress.

Using the bag method, the dough comes together quickly and evenly, resulting in a soft, slightly sweet loaf with a shiny, golden crust. You’ll love how simple it is to mix, rise, and even braid your dough without getting flour all over your kitchen.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a game-changer and how you can easily make your own challah bread at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This challah bread in a bag recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade bread but dreads the mess and effort of traditional kneading. Mixing the dough in a sealed bag means:

• Minimal cleanup: No sticky hands or flour-covered countertops.
• Even mixing: The bag helps incorporate ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Fun and interactive: Great for baking with kids or as a beginner-friendly method.
• Soft, fluffy texture: Despite the unconventional method, the crumb is light and airy.
• Beautiful results: You can still braid the dough for that classic challah look.

Additionally, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment, making it accessible for all home bakers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• Optional: sesame or poppy seeds for topping

Equipment

• Large resealable plastic bag (gallon size)
• Mixing bowl (for rising)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl or directly in the plastic bag, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until foamy. This step confirms the yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Add wet ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add honey, 2 eggs, and vegetable oil. Seal the bag and gently press to mix everything together.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour and salt to the bag. Seal the bag again and start kneading by pressing and folding the dough through the bag. Continue adding extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too sticky.
4. Knead the dough: Knead in the bag for about 8-10 minutes, pressing the dough against the sides and folding it. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s still very sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
5. Let it rise: Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Remove the dough from the bag by cutting one corner open and gently squeezing it out onto your hands. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the challah: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope about 12 inches long. Braid the ropes together, pinching the ends to seal.
7. Second rise: Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
8. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash to give it a shiny, golden crust.
9. Add toppings (optional): Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the challah for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
11. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft texture.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, substitute half the water with milk or add an extra egg yolk to the dough.”

• Gluten-free variation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and add a tablespoon of xanthan gum for structure.
• Sweet challah: Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries to the dough before the first rise.
• Whole wheat challah: Substitute 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
• Shape variations: Try a round challah for holidays or twist two ropes together for a simpler design.
• Storage: Store leftover challah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Challah bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• French toast: Use thick slices of challah for a rich, custardy breakfast treat.
• Sandwich bread: Its soft texture makes it ideal for deli sandwiches or grilled cheese.
• With dips: Serve warm challah with hummus, baba ganoush, or olive oil for dipping.
• Holiday table: Present it braided and glazed alongside your favorite Sabbath or holiday dishes.
• Sweet snack: Spread with butter and honey or jam for a simple, comforting snack.

Conclusion

Making challah bread at home doesn’t have to be intimidating or messy, thanks to this innovative challah bread in a bag recipe. By mixing and kneading the dough inside a resealable bag, you save time, reduce cleanup, and still create a beautiful, delicious loaf that rivals bakery-quality bread.

This method is especially perfect for novice bakers or families looking for a fun baking activity. The soft, slightly sweet bread is perfect for everything from festive meals to everyday sandwiches.

We hope this recipe inspires you to try homemade challah the easy way — you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it can be!

For more bread and baking inspiration, be sure to check out our Homemade Brioche Recipe, Easy Artisan Bread, and No-Knead Sourdough Bread recipes.

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