Best Challah Dough Recipe | How to Bake Challah Bread | Jamie Geller

Make your own challah dough and get braiding instructions with Jamie Geller! First in a five-part series, Jamie Geller starts with showing you how to make the dough for her awesome challah recipe
Find Jamie's recipe. here: joyofkosher.com/recipe/jamie-g...
In the follow-up videos, you will learn how to do a 6-braid challah, a Rosh Hashana Crown, round-shaped challah, and how to stuff it with onions, cover it in garlic, or turn it into cinnamon buns--all with the same dough.
Get our FREE Challah Ebook: joyofkosher.com/ebook
For more information on any JOY of KOSHER featured recipes, visit us at www.joyofkosher.com
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[@Jessedog11]

Thank you for sharing this!! This was the second bread I ever made and i have to say it came out awesome!! I am not jewish but a 92 year old Auschwitz survivor who lives above me loved it!! I gave her on loaf we made and she said it was wonderful. Thanks again.

[@jamiegeller]

+Jessedog11 So glad you liked it and so nice to share!!

[@vherber63]

I’m a born-again Christian I believe in the sub totally. I’m only one person. To hear you say about cream blows my mind I think it’s so wonderful to bring in to my first time making challa bread...Many people think I’m crazy but what I’m doing. But listening to you ladies makes me so happy. Shabbat shalom

[@jamiegeller]

Thanks so much

[@kosherkrafts2308]

Shalom! I will be making this for Shabbat from now on.

[@CouchResistance]

I'm atheist, but I found it really sweet and thoughtful that she prays and thinks about her loved ones while she's kneading the bread lol great recipe

[@ellyjewish25]

Thank you for not using a machine, not everyone has one and I was so happy to know that I can bake a lovely challah too. Loved this recipe.THANK YOU GORGEOUS! :)

[@nitza-chanal.2641]

I'm almost ashamed to say, but my husband never would eat my challah, well, that was until I made yours. Thank you so much. Our shabbat is so much better with him enjoying the challah!

[@fairygirl69]

Jamie, you weren't bragging. This is the best challah recipe I've ever made. Even my husband said so. It was worth every minute of hand kneading. Plus, I really felt like I accomplished something great. You've proved to me that I need to buy your cookbooks. Thank you so much. Kelly Pelton

[@jamiegeller]

Yay, so glad you loved it. Can't wait for you to try the cookbooks.

[@speakingconstitution]

Jamie, our family is amazed at how wonderful this recipe is. We enjoy whole grain breads and this recipe easily adapts to using whole grain flours. Thank you so much for sharing with us. The recipe will be sure to be used in our family for generations to come.

[@jenniferkreager966]

Did you find you could just sub in the whole wheat flour? Or are there other parts you find you need to adjust? Help!

[@girlwiththebump]

My go-to challah recipe from this cook book! Love it!! It's like our family, but not, recipe!!!

[@Kicess01]

I made this recipe this past Friday for Shabbos. Wow, my challah tasted fantastic. I followed your recipe online. My kids prefer their Challah a bit sweeter and yours is more on the salty side so next time I will dimish the amount of salt, other than that it was great. I was initially very fearful as this was my second attempt at baking a Challah (the first one was not so good and it went flat due to cold weather and not enough yeast), Anyways, yours works very well. I made half the recipe and got two giant Challot. Super heavy and gorgeous. The most important part was the inside they are chewy and stretchy...Fantastic. Thanks for sharing with the world.

[@hellenicsunshine7032]

I LOVE watching this video , over and over. I think I can lip sync it now! BEST WAY of making this BREAD. Thank you Jamie, you're are AWESOME!

[@alma6911]

I tried your challah recipe, and I must tell you it was simply fantastic!!!

[@maggiereus4675]

WOW..... you make it look so easy I love the way you do this recipe ,I have watched you all day lol..... on all you can do with this recipe,I'm gonna try them all thank-you so much and keep cooking I'll keep watching , you inspire me .So far on all people I have seen on here your a natural...... Thanks again

[@allisonjayetv3297]

I tired this recipe and it came out amazing! Thank you for sharing!

[@jamiegeller]

It can be refrigerated or frozen: For the sake of ease cut the raw dough into 2-pound pieces. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and form it into a round mass. Tightly wrap with plastic wrap and place in a 1-gallon resealable plastic freezer bag. The dough can be stored in the fridge for about three days. The dough can be frozen for about three months. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature (in the bags, so it doesn’t form a skin) before shaping.

[@Herbmamasita]

Thank you so much! I learned what I wanted to learn and much more about Jewish traditions. I love how you use the time of kneading to meet others' needs via prayer.

[@MichelleSunshineSoul]

I made your challah recipe today, and it was FABULOUS!!! Best challah ever!

[@avonss08]

Used the recipe and technique, love it! my guests enjoyed it a lot as well. the oil defiantly makes it easy to knead.

[@pamelaparker4143]

thank you so much for recipe and insight

[@KP-mh3qb]

I have tried making Challah twice, and both times the dough wasn't rising (I made it like a I made my other breads - the other breads would rise though). Your video SAVED my third attempt! Thank you so much!!!

[@joparijuaanz]

Hey guys, I'm a Christian who follows the Shabbath and we've been invited for a meal by a Messianic Jewish friend. I'm following your recipe for my very first challah including the prayers....it's good to make baking a spiritual experience too...........and I'll let you know how it all goes....

[@jamiegeller]

Thank you so much. Kudos to you for getting yourself and your kids in the kitchen and I am so glad I can help. I don't like using olive oil in my challah just because it has such a strong flavor, but if you like it go ahead.

[@dufraisconstantinople5173]

Great video, very helpful.

[@IaraFinkFoschino]

Love it!

[@malkaklein5239]

I do hot water and seltzer and love it’s fluffy

[@mcfrdmn]

Lovely video !

[@missmishpot]

I love this video, but I wanted to ask….is there a video of your friend’s whole wheat recipe?!? I would love that!

[@jamiegeller]

Thanks David, I fixed it. I always make the whole batch and never want to try less, but Tamar has made it by cutting the whole recipe in half with good results.

[@zackslabs]

lovely video.. thank you

[@saharhawasli8567]

I salute you for making this big dough.

[@sharleenwilkens7485]

Enjoyed watching you all, looks like you are enjoying yourselves, that is good to see when women can come together and prepare. I have others also, I think we will try this out, prayer and all. Letting ourselves become one together is the best of all. Thanks for your sharing!!

[@rifkabenlulu7153]

Just made this on Friday it came out awesome! I do agree way too much salt next time I will use less salt. Other then that it's perfect! I love the conversations and love Jamie! I have her video on and feel like shes right here in my kitchen with me...My 12 year old Aleeza also loves it...she wishes when we are in Israel that we will bump into Jamie Geller :)

[@AuthorityQuestion]

it is delicious bread.

[@srg3443]

Thanks! tried this for the first time today, and i think mine was a little too dry but it still turned out great!

[@jamiegeller]

Great to hear!

[@pascalekhaldi2634]

i love your recipies. pascale from france

[@jenniferkreager966]

Can you make this the same but sub in whole wheat flour? Or would you need to adjust things?

[@ellieforman8531]

I'm just finding Jamie and am obsessed!! I love this video -- I know it's from before she became the Kosher Martha Stewart!! But anyway, this video is like watching the Real Kosher Housewives -- it's hilarious and adorable!! I love the banter. Very cute. I'll be making (updated) Jamie challah recipe next week I hope.

[@jamiegeller]

Thanks so much! Love this comment. Hope you love the challah! 😍

[@shelleycivkin6594]

Thanks for the interesting video. One thing struck me as odd though...when you asked your friends if they burn the separated challah, the second friend said that she bakes it with her bread. I thought that was not allowed - I thought that you have to burn it separately from your regular dough. Which is correct?

[@catiakellerman]

thanks for all your recipes. And your series travel around israel.

[@Greenfields-px5cs]

This turned out great. I can’t braid to save my life though, had to watch on loop over and over. The suggestion about covering with a plastic bag near the oven was a good one.

[@jamiegeller]

Glad it tasted good, braiding just takes practice, I have a whole series on different shapes, maybe you can watch them in slo-mo.

[@jamiegeller]

Thank you for sharing, people are always asking if it can be made with whole wheat flour, please share the proportions you use in the comments on the recipe on the site.

[@Saytheyruth]

So I have to do challa every week usually and I freeze. It's actually fun and a mitzvah to dohafrashat challa. Thanks again. Hope you are adapting well in Israel:)

[@tanyahuyard1502]

I want to use this recipe to do the challah, the cinnamon rolls, and the onion pockets (What? That sounds like heaven came down!) but not all on the same day. Can I store the dough for a day or two and still work with it? Thanks for the recipe. I can't wait to try it!

[@brindlilliahslilli5775]

Thank You for the info. looks so good. Just know that most plasic bags that are intended for trash are infused with pesticides and perfumes. blessings

[@jamiegeller]

@nadiceje Olive oil has a strong flavor that will change the taste of this challah so if you choose to use olive oil go for a mild flavored or light one.

[@mytorahlife8829]

I love this recipe, I usually halve it though and it makes 3 loaves. Can I either freeze the dough or the bread?

[@jamiegeller]

+My Torah Life Yes to both. It freezes well.

[@montsemedina7835]

I use extra virgin olive oil to make Challa, it gives a lovely flavour

[@helenawright1127]

Nice video. I'm making this tonight.

[@jamiegeller]

Hope it was a huge success

[@helenawright1127]

Yes it was. Thank you.

[@jamiegeller]

@TheOle1321 the challah kugel recipe can be found by searching for it on the JoyofKosher site, it won't let me put the link here.

[@jamiegeller]

WOW Rifka thank you SOOOOOO much! Please tell Aleeza I say hi and I hope I get to bump into you both when you are in Israel also!

[@MaybeDefinitelyAL]

Shalom! Might I be able to let my dough rise overnight if I cover it and place it in the fridge overnight? I am working late this Friday and was hoping to make a challah for Rosh Hashanah, so trying to find a recipe I could start Thursday night. Thank you!

[@jamiegeller]

I haven't tried that but it might work. Sorry I am just not sure. I think it might be best if you have space to get through to shape and then let that rise happen in fridge.

[@hipretty]

This looks wonderful Jamie! I am a Celiac that is gluten free 18 years, so I never handle flour anymore if I don't have to (Meanwhile Baba my Mother's Grandmother had a Bakery in Ukraine). Sadly I don't live in an area where I can find Challah and my husband and son loves it. Maybe I can attempt with gloves and a mask on. 💗

[@jamiegeller]

We do have some gluten free challah recipes on the site too! But I know they are not the same as the real thing.

[@hipretty]

I will have to try anyway! ☺️

[@ShirlyGolan]

Hey Jaime I LOVE the taste of honey baked into the challah, but when I try to incorporate honey to get the taste to come through, it ends up getting super sticky and I put a ton more flour and it doesn't bake soft and chewy anymore. Do you have any solutions for a soft, chewy, honey flavored challah?? Thanks! Also when I braid my challah and leave it to rise it loses its shape, please help!

[@ShirlyGolan]

Jamie Geller Thank you so much for replying and helping, Jaime! I will try those solutions and see what happens :)

[@DiscoveryWonders]

super cute video! :) Great recipe! Ladies are looking alive and happy! :D

[@VindictiveValroze]

I make big batches, but I never use sugar, I always used honey.... less kosher salt...olive oil, and the Full egg. Seriously a different recipe, but this tastes good as well. Thanks!

[@jamiegeller]

You can try grapeseed oil, it is mild flavored or very mild flavored olive oil.

[@jamiegeller]

thanks so much for your comment - I appreciate it because mistakes happen so it's helpful to have another set of eyes and ears :-) in this case 2 ounces active dry yeast is correct, it is for 6 pounds of flour.

[@davidmarshall385]

hmmmm i like the measurements yummy

[@davidmarshall385]

325 am man thats early i love to bake jamie

[@emmanuelmizrahi7061]

good

[@Rubiagirl86]

Do you know that you can buy Challah in every Polish supermarket? I ate it almost every day when I was a child :P You can bye Matzo in Poland too :) My mom loves it. Bagels came from Poland too :) First bagels were made in Krakov in jewish community. They are also very famous in Krakov :) but much bigger than bagels from New York.

[@catiakellerman]

can tou freeze the challah dough.

[@abbyd661]

im not jewish but i love challah bread

[@diggerobones]

I discovered that I now use artesian or spring water because my tap water, which is hard. The difference is softer.

[@jamiegeller]

Tamar has made it with half the recipe and it came out great.

[@jovannaatari]

Active dry yeast is instant yeast, and its a kosher channel and making kosher challa requires prayer during the process. Stop commenting on it, . If you don't like like the Jew lady praying over her Jew bread find another video.

[@diana14roman29]

I didn't get my free challah ebook. I tried it with two emails and I didn't get them in either inbox or in my spam. :(

[@jamiegeller]

Pls email is [e-mail] so we can make sure you get it.

[@oscarcorona8954]

😋

[@leilaniaki344]

Is bread flour the same as High gluten flour?

[@ashleyeliyahu1173]

Shabbat Shalom What temperature And how long do I cook it for?

[@jamiegeller]

Full recipe with temp and time in the link in description

[@skyrere]

When you were talking about the canola oil I heard you say Not Olive oil... Why Not Olive oil? I like to know the reasons why things are cooked the way they are. I do not use vegetable oil or canola oil. I use coconut oil, olive oil, and other nut oils. and I truly enjoyed the video and have been wanting to try my hand at Challah.

[@matthewlogan7787]

+Aimee Simmons Olive oil is a strong flavored oil and she uses a lot. Canola and vegetable oil are less flavorful so you will get the soft texture that the oil imparts but not interfere with the subtle sweet eggy aroma of the finished loaf. To the best of my understanding that would be the reason. Although coconut oil might be delicious with some chopped dates.

[@skyrere]

+Matthew Logan thank you very much Matthew. That makes sense. :)

[@jamiegeller]

+Aimee Simmons Thanks we couldn't have said it better

[@stormey165]

what size bowl do you use in this video?

[@jamiegeller]

It is the biggest you can find. Tupperware sells a nice large green one, but this one came from a dollar store.

[@SeagullB]

pounds to Kilograms? Great spirit and explaination . Thank you! I am sure you made a lot of happy people on shabas !

[@jamesfan2]

Just put the '(amount of) pounds into kilograms' on google

[@psikofan]

Shalom I live in Toronto, but honestly I don't know If I have to use the same quantity of yeast, One day I tried to make Challah but the texture wasn't fluffy. Im afraid that the problem was the yeast. Kol tov.

[@ruth888888]

i want a challa recipe without eggs!! pls help...

[@GTI111]

Can u post more videos

[@marywysocki6641]

Can you please do a video on Kiska?

[@jamiegeller]

will add to the list

[@FloraPolnauer]

I´m sure this will be amazing - I can see :) Can you please write down the proper measurements, so I can convert it it somehow into kg? I love how you add the best ingredient to the challah - your prayer for refuah - I´m sure there is lots of love flowing around your family!!!

[@jamiegeller]

Click on the link above to the site the full recipe is there.

[@HaShomeret]

Jamie is so relatable: no I've never made it whole wheat so only I'm gonna eat 6 lb of flour on my own?

[@susancarson6273]

Can you use all purpose flour? If so how is the substitution made?

[@jamiegeller]

Yes, just sub 1:1

[@susancarson6273]

Jamie Geller the challah was delicious and I followed your advice to pray while making it. An awesome way to alleviate fear and anxiety.

[@jamiegeller]

I can't post a link here. But go to our site and search water challah for an egg free challah.

[@dinahassam696]

schalom, we do not have canola oil in Egypt would it be possible to use sunflower or corn oil??

[@jamiegeller]

That should be fine, love that you are making my Challah in Egypt.

[@dinahassam696]

of course!!! with the Bracha and everything!!

[@dinahassam696]

I think its a beautiful mizvah

[@dinahassam696]

omg I totally did not see that! yes I was born in here and raised in Germany isn't that funny? I had to do online yeshiva :). do I use bread flour or all purpose? I am making your challah because a bestfriend's son has terminal cancer. I will be praying for you and your family as well, because you gave me this recipe xoxo

[@kathrynhall1797]

Hi Jamie, I watch all your videos on braiding. I would love to try your recipe but I need it in Metric, ie Grams /kilos not ounces and pounds.

[@charlesaferg]

Great recipe with useful insight. I'll admit that those other women being there gave a somewhat awkward feel to the whole situation. I'm not trying to be rude, that's just the impression I got. I will be using this recipe today. Thanks!

[@charlesaferg]

Jamie Geller Wow, I wrote that long ago. Thanks for the reply. Regards from Haifa. Keep up the great work.

[@charlesaferg]

+Jamie Geller Thanks. I'm sharing this recipe and your channel to a friend who recent baked some *unfortunate* challah. These recipes always impress. If you ever have a public presentation and/or provide classes, please let me know. I'd love to learn.

[@ericpowell9836]

can stevia be substituted for the sugar?

[@jamiegeller]

+Eric Powell Hi Eric, According to Stevia you can use it in baking as a substitute for sugar, but we have never tried or tested it and would be worried about the after taste. Let us know if you try it.

[@jamiegeller]

LOL! Totally agreed I would advise not to make them all in one day, if you want you clothes to fit :-) best to freeze the dough in 2 pound batches - punch down each 2 pound piece to form a ball of dough and wrap in saran to freeze. To thaw: unwrap and place it in a large bowl and cover with a kitchen towel and allow to come to room temperature before shaping and filling. I find storing the dough in the fridge for a day or more is not nearly as effective. Let us know how you enjoy it!

[@JHRobbins]

i really want to see the challah kugel recipe

[@helentkach7164]

J H Robbins

[@petermichelson5002]

B’H, Gut Shabbos, Thank You, Thank You, Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov for a true blessing in this Complete Challah Recipe Book! Blessings included!!! 🇮🇱🙌❤️🕎✡️

[@jamiegeller]

You are most welcome

[@joparijuaanz]

I'm a Judeo-Christian.....have been greatly blessed by your recipe...I make challah almost every Shabbath...loved your presentation. Shalom!!

[@dreamywhales]

Theres no such thing as judeo-christian. You're simply a Christian stealing jewish culture because you think its exotic or connects you to your messiah. Many supposed "messianic" groups were founded to promote genocide and trick jews into converting to Christianity.

[@hellenicsunshine7032]

Is High-Gluten flour the same as Bread flour?

[@jamiegeller]

+Hellenic Sunshine Good question, I do believe it should be the same or close enough for this recipe.

[@hellenicsunshine7032]

+Joy of Kosher OK , I made this Just like you said, and it turned out AMAZING, I'm so excited! I think its going to be my thing I bring to homes now. I was trying to do it cool like you and use one arm by the end my arm was burning, LOL. "Knead" more practice, get it ? lol Thanks again for sharing!!! I would not change Anything!

[@glitterwings1]

Does it have to be 6 pounds? Can I use five??

[@jamiegeller]

This recipe really calls for 6 pounds. So use a 5-pound bag +1-pound. 3 1/4 cups of high gluten flour equals 1 pound or 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour is equivalent to 1 pound. Happy challah baking - enJOY!

[@Saytheyruth]

You are soooo cute! I enjoy your videos. ״my husband likes white so I've got to make white for him". I couldn't stop laughing...yes we all have to do stuff like this. My husband likes wholewheat challa and eats only my bread (unless we are guests or rare occasion), s

[@1156511]

That is, if it was instant yeast it looked like too much. It is a lot of bread, but 2 oz of instant?

[@davidadeola521]

You put a dot after "joyof" on your website address link so it's not redirecting properly! Please correct! Good instructional video but could be better if you instruct without the interruptions! Kindly let us know recipe for just one or two Challah for a small family. Looking forward to making my first Challah! Thank you

[@jamiegeller]

You are very observant. I don't know for sure, but we shot quite a few videos that day and used all the various timers around the kitchen, so it is possible that one was on a timer and not the actual time.

[@brkitdwn]

Your canola oil is Genetically Modified. All hail Monsanto! L'chaim

[@jamiegeller]

We also love using Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is our latest fave

[@vherber63]

How can I cut the amount down for only one person, I’m only 80 years old.

[@jamiegeller]

You can easily cut the recipe in half and freeze the extras.

[@morehn]

you can but you'll have an issue of making a bracha on separating challah. i think 7 cups is the minimum amount you may have to make a bracha on and 5 pounds definitely gets you above that. you might want to make a lot and then cut it in half or give away half.

[@lilloftspring]

i noticed that you said it had been an hour left over, but the clock said 12:04, and then 1:57. isn't that 2 hours...?

[@ladanweheliye5688]

Jamie has a Jamie

[@kategen8612]

My only issue with this recipe is the canola oil. Isn't that genetically modified oil? If you google dangers of canola oil you will find many disturbing articles associated with using this oil. I no longer cook or bake with is. Can you recommend another oil for this recipe? Thanks!

[@junkman2758]

Kate Gen proper challah is made with olive oil and honey not canola and refined sugar. Hope that helps you