Braided Challah

Challah is a soft and fluffy egg bread, often served on the Jewish sabbath. It's delicious all on its own, or topped with butter and/or jam. If I can make and braid Challah, then YOU can make and braid Challah! Ingredients are listed below:
Ingredients for 2 loaves:
1 1/3 cups warm (105-110°F) water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 large eggs, beaten
5 cups bread flour OR 6 cups all-purpose flour (add slightly more flour as necessary to achieve a workable dough)

[@adriaschumann9641]

I am a Jewish woman and I never thought of making the dough in a loaf pan! Great for sandwiches. Why didn't I or we think of that? Maybe it is because we are Reformed Jews and would not have a problem eating challah any time of the week. However, the Orthodox and even Conservative Jews may think it is special for the Sabbath. I'm not sure, but I surely am going to make it in a loaf pan. Also, one of the things I find so special about your videos is that you give alternatives such as kneading by hand or by a dough hook. Some of us of a certain age and 'issues' cannot knead by hand anymore, so I'm always grateful for my Kitchen Aid and that dough hook. You're terrific! I'm so glad I found you!

[@bartlettje]

You are the only person to explain how to braid in a simple to understand way....over, under, over, under.....

[@kimferguson831]

Absolutely love your videos on baking. Can’t go wrong with your instructions on baking. Thank You Kevin 🥖🏆

[@maryanncunningham3440]

Kevin, I don’t mind that your videos are lengthy. I enjoy watching and learning and love all your recipes, gardening and household tips. You’re a great teacher. Also your voice is soothing and very relaxing. Thanks for sharing!😋👍

[@dorotheakuemmel8142]

It is such a pleasure to spend time with you, thank you

[@yvadneerazario5119]

I usually do not comment on people's KZbin videos. However Mr. Kevin Lee Jacobs you won my vote. Not only are you a gracious and warm host you are also a great baker. I am going to try making your bread and your hamburger buns. Thanks so much.

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Thank you so much.

[@user-rm8vc4gr9z]

Your teaching of making braid is the easiest way I've ever seen. Thanks~!

[@gulmerton2758]

Although his videos are not the best done technically with all the camera adjustments, the way he gently explains things and his nice smile make him one of the most pleasant and kind looking person on KZbin. I certainly want to try his recipes.

[@sleeplessingeorgia6577]

Hi Kevin, i just thought i would let you know that i have been trying videos for Challah on KZbin with terrible results. With much frustration i decided to try yours. BY FAR the best result! It was delicious! Thank you for giving me my sanity back!😂

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi SleeplessinGeorgia - Happy to know the video was helpful to you!

[@LillianMirandaSzklarski]

I made your challah bread and It came out beautifully. Your instructions and guidance are spot on. I have failed with so many other bread recipes. I only look to you for my bread recipes. I make your basic white bread very very often. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@janicegame2372]

That is the best looking challa bread I have ever seen, I can tell it will be light to eat because you did not over do the flour! Kevin you make it so easy thank you for the recipe!

[@akeminakashima8328]

You're a great teacher ! You show as many details as possible. You share, the more you share the more fans you'll have following !

[@prarieborn6458]

Thank you VERY much for this recipe AND unlocking the secret of HOW TO MAKE THE BRAIDS! Oh , you wouldn’t believe the difficulty I had trying to follow directions I found elsewhere.. I even made sketches to remember. I think there were more than 4 ropes involved, I had a good laugh at myself seeing how easy your method is. Oh for joy!! Now i can made this to impress my family for the holidays. 💕🌲

[@IngeLyck]

Dear Kevin.. you know, sometimes you find a KZbin Channel “by accident” I found your channel. The one I have been watching right now is two years old. I used to bake a lot, but due to life circumstances, I haven’t for some years now. However you inspire me to start baking again. Thank you. I enjoy all of your videos. Making dinner, flower arrangements ect. It is so wonderful in a cold world. Take good care 🌺

[@cristinasujoy]

Kevin that was the BEST explanation on how to braid challah!! You’re the master teacher!

[@angelajimenez5680]

I made this recipe yesterday and it's the BEST challah bread I have EVER tried THANK YOU!!!!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@alicerosario7800]

I like that this recipe was put together in one bowl and was very simple. Thank you for the clear instructions for braiding the 4 strands. I was beginning to get discouraged as I couldn't seem to follow the directions of other videos. You didn't shift the view or cut away and your "mantra" made it easy to remember. The bread came out beautifully.

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Thank you, Alice. Great to know the challah turned out well for you!

[@ofield6561]

These videos are very soothing and relaxing. Those breads are gorgeous!

[@starsister4420]

Good lord it’s amazing! If I made bread like that I would be big as a house!

[@TammyJerkChicken]

The way you explain the braid to soooo brilliant

[@AussieAngeS]

That bread loaf looks absolutely fantastic, wow how wonderful.

[@dusicaignjatovic9689]

Your four braid is so easy to follow. Also have a six braid easy to follow. Over two, under one and over two. Always starts on the right until done. Also made chocolate dough and plain and use one of each color to braid. It's so beautiful.

[@dianne8929]

Don't apologize for length of your videos. Always interesting to watch. And enjoy learning something new.

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

So nice of you

[@happyjud]

I absolutely enjoyed watching and learning from you how to make challah. Very clear and concise as well as captivating. Thankyou for taking the time. From Innisfil, Ontario, Canada. 🙂❤

[@TheSamiha57]

Excellent way of showing the steps. I’m making it tomorrow. Thank

[@truesimplicity]

Clear and concise , wonderful

[@sm9217]

I was looking for videos on how to make and braid Easter paska, and I found your video. I am so glad I did, You are a good teacher, very articulate, patiently explaining what you are doing. Good use of camera as you work. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi Dianne - I'm so glad the video was helpful to you!

[@judithmagnuson-yq6og]

Really appreciate your details with every video.

[@gabbygomez261]

Love your smile and the instructions are very clear, thanks for sharing!

[@leslieoflaherty8909]

I love your videos. Your techniques are easy to follow, and the recipes accessible. Also, I find your voice and presence soothing.

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi Leslie - Thank you so much!

[@watthaile2053]

As always, very enjoyable. For some reason I've always loved making bread, there's something almost spiritual about it. Thank You for sharing.

[@anettekhan6241]

I love this simple recipe,you don’t have to do window testing and so much kneading as other recipes, Thank you!

[@angieboahene7777]

I'm not Jewish but I love challah bread. My daughter is lactose intolerant so I don't buy super market bread anymore, thanks for this useful recipe, I've made it a few times, perfectly delicious every time!

[@lindamay9218]

I wish I had smellavideo 🥖 the heavenly smell of fresh baked bread. I have never baked bread but you are giving me the courage to try.

[@bobbyhaddock2242]

I so enjoy watching your video. This is a must try for me tomorrow. Keep inspiring the world needs it more than ever. Enjoy !!!

[@Joe-ew5rt]

The challah is beautiful. I'll give this a try. Your directions have made the process very clear. Thank you.

[@tatyanashubina3820]

Thanks! It is the simplest instruction how to braid challah that even I got!!! :)

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi Tatyana - I'm so glad the braiding segment was help to you. The same braid-technique can be applied to almost any yeast bread! Have fun!

[@tatyanashubina3820]

@@kevinleejacobs1364 Thank you very much! I'm directions blind... hahaha Is it too much to ask if you have mantra for 6 part braid?

[@clarabooth5582]

I love watching your videos ,because you walk us through the process of what ever you're doing! Thank you!!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

You are so welcome!

[@guianavasero4314]

Thanks for a yum yum challah bread. God bless Brother 😊

[@madelyngoldberg6975]

Kevin, great video, cannot wait to try it. Delightful, thanks!

[@fayepetrack3892]

Your great!. I enjoy your videos so much. Thanks for the great tutorials

[@magdalvg]

Love your recipes

[@cristinasujoy]

This challah looks fantastic. But what I wanted to especially thank you for is for the very best explanation of how to braid the dough!!!

[@dianne8929]

Before I even watch the video, I have to say... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LOAF OF BREAD !!!

[@ginamorrone947]

Great job beautiful

[@carmenarjoon6729]

This bread is so beautiful. Saw another post but boy it seemed very difficult, no way I could follow. You explained it so well - over, under the second..... Tnk u very much. Now I can make this beautiful, soft bread.

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi Carmen - I'm so glad the video was helpful to you!

[@sallybeck1045]

Blessings to you, my friend Every Sabbath we make and bake 3 braided Challah bread. We love ya! SHALOM

[@debrahowe313]

Another wonderful recipe I can't wait to make, you showed the braiding in a way I can finally follow, thank you. God Bless always 🙏 ❤️

[@susansanto9287]

You are a pleasure to watch. Thank you for a delicious bread

[@annmiller7977]

Fantastic…I’m definitely going to try this bread! You make everything look so easy! Love your videos❣️

[@PETEOU812]

Kevin, that bread looks so good. Reminds me of when I would have it for Easter. My Dad is Ukrainian and he would always buy a loaf from the Polish bakery along with kielbasa for a Ukrainian Easter breakfast.

[@dusicaignjatovic9689]

I think every country has their own version. I am Serbian and my grandma always used to make braided loafs for Easter. As a matter of fact we just celebrated Easter May 2nd and I also makes this bread all the time and give to friends and neighbors.

[@Change4Good333]

You are a great teacher, dear Kevin!!🌟 Thank you for this wonderful recipe. We are not Jewish but we LOVE to eat chala! Like you. Warm 'end year' hugs🥂💜🥂

[@kitwinn1942]

I finally made it. Your instructions on how to braid is so easy to follow and it came out beautiful. Just want to say thank you to you Kevin!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I'm so glad!

[@dalenesexton726]

Thank you so much for showing how to braid 4 strand challah. You make it look so easy! I can’t wait to try today. Once again - Thank You.

[@barbarapadgett5538]

Great recipe! Thank you!

[@lisaray9404]

Beautiful bread, that was a mystery to me, you made known with a great recipe and video instructions. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day! 😊

[@sitaramdeen4922]

Glad i found your video thank you for sharing info on the all purpose flour

[@Chef_Garrick]

That was really awesome looks amazing

[@suzanneurbanart]

Beautiful!!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joangraf4441]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

[@ladiascc1934]

I tried you recipe and my challah was perfect, my kids love it. Thank you very much for the step by step video.

[@maril1379]

Thanks zkevin thumbs up from NYC

[@juliapendergast5253]

Thanks for this, I love Challah but can't find it in bakeries near me. Love your videos, I could watch them all day, it seems like I'm right there with you. Take care.

[@eliseburkhardt-lawson6054]

Thanks a lot, very simple to understand! Will try to do it too

[@ginavandy1912]

Will definitely try your recipe. Looks really good. Thanks for sharing.

[@judybennett3143]

Oh my gosh Kevin, you made my day! I'm going to make this bread this morning. Your videos always make me smile and feel energized to get busy! Thank you for once again for sharing a great thing. :)

[@alissadoan6520]

My 2nd time baking it in a week. My kids love it and they want a little more sweet. I sweet the dough and make pastry filling little treat for them. It works great too. Thanks

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Hi Alissa - That is awesome!

[@maryusa8526]

We have an Easter bread that looks like this but tastes different. My mom is the only person I know, who makes it perfectly. So, since our version is difficult to make even with the recipe. I will give this a try because you showed that even regular people might end up with good results.

[@prarieborn6458]

I tried and failed to make the braids for an Easter bread, one year, I gave up and just twisted 2 strands into a wreath with a colored hard boiled egg in the center and decorated with colored sprinkles, then brushed with thin glaze last few mins of baking. I had doubts about the egg, but it came through the bakiing fine, and it made a pretty “nest”.

[@coloradotrish7297]

Another absolutely amazing post! Funny in the thumbnail the Challah looks as big as your head but actually it's about 3x as big + gorgeous, fresh and yummy to eat!! I need to try to make it. You make it look so easy! So funny you after you showed the remnants of the prior day's loaf you had to get on camera saying "Did I say I love Challah!" Love your posts - from Colorado!

[@helencostello9715]

Love your video and the way you explain every measurement perfect I will definitely give this recipe a try thank you so much and love the camera work

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Thank you so much, Helen!

[@fungrammacat]

Can’t wait to try this! Challah is my favorite Thank you so much for your inspiring videos!

[@robertbarrow4128]

You're a good teacher! We love your English muffins too!!

[@welshlady8550]

Brilliant video!!! and i can't wait to try it as it looks beautiful yum!!! I'll be making the bread & braided challah and the french toast!! Thank you!!! so much, take care 🍞🍞🍞🍞👏👏😁

[@quantum-entanglementinmagn6728]

Hi, Thanks for the recipe. Most Challah recipes are similar, but what makes then bread tasty or not is the maker of the bread. Challah has an energy that is connected to the maker and as he does the blessings on the bread, he energizes it with lots of Love. Try doing Challah rolls they are awesome sandwiches too. Lazaro

[@paularafael6399]

Bravo pour votre explication pour le tressage 😊

[@mpedals]

did i mention this is now my familys favorite, tried it on frenchtoast the other day and its a winner also,,,next will be trying to make it in my loaf pans, excellent recipe, thank you, i did use 1/2 cup honey instead, for two loaves

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I'm so glad!!!

[@anamalia2157]

Thank you! I love the way you teach

[@Sk-qo6by]

love ur energy

[@ramona7160]

What joy this has been! But, I am so hungry and no beautiful bread to pick up and taste. 😩😩😩. I just LOVE your videos, albeit, floral or food. Even kittens.

[@listenstowindjh47]

Thank you Kevin for another wonderful recipe and video. Still working on getting my bread tops smoother. Warm bread rocks! Jackie

[@rukhsanashaikh4018]

Hi Kevin I tried your recipe it came out excellent thanks for showing how to make Challah bread Loved it thanks 🙏

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

Great to hear!

[@Moea23]

I Will try YOUR recipe, it is look easier. And the braid seems very easy with you. Good job, thanks you.

[@parkwood6334]

I love challah, thanks for the tips.

[@anngonzalez7058]

Made this my son said Wow tasted great I'll make it again soon thank you

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I'm so glad!!!

[@hongsermarini9414]

I made this bread come out so good

[@christinemohammed2528]

First time watching I really in joyed your video can’t wait to try your bread recipe

[@JohnElHanafi]

Hey Kevin, I just made this the other day and it amazing! I just now discovered your channel, pretty cool! Keep up the good work!

[@irahandwerker8557]

love this recipe will try it and bring it to temple next week thank you

[@judithlevi5580]

Loved this recipe! Thank you , KLJ! I can braid a challah now😊

[@tmcginnis21144]

You can add pesto to the eggs for delicious herbal flavor or you can add chocolate chips to the dough or raisins and cinnamon so many options! Yours looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

[@awstellar]

I'm so grateful to find your video, your a delight. Thank you

[@jadensawesomecollection7729]

First time watching your videos 👌🏼 your voice is so relaxing lol, is like visiting a friend while opening a fine bottle of wine and baking something 💁🏻‍♀️ love it !

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

😊 thank you

[@SongbirdRanch2005]

You are awesome! Thank you for the video. I like wet dough, it makes the bread much softer. I am looking into different way to make this beautiful bread, I think I’ll try yours. Oh thank you for the tips too. Rise twice and spray on the plastic before cover the dough. Excellent! Thank you again for sharing.

[@susywilliams9217]

Kevin, Really enjoyed your video....I am making it tomorrow! Thank you!

[@maril1379]

Just subscribed - I need a good challah recipe. I like when you said "hold on - don't go away"

[@maril1379]

What part of the country are you in? I am from NYC ! I

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I miss NYC! (My former residence was on the Upper West Side -- I'm now in the town of Kinderhook, 2 hours north of NYC.) Hope the Challah turns out well for you!

[@miryannavarro3834]

Very nices 🌹🌹🌹😍

[@yochanatav4884]

Thank you so much for this recipe. I made it for our erev Shabbat. So yummy 😋 it's the best recipe. The one I baked last time was hard as a rock. Lol...Your recipe is the best. Thank you!

[@kevinleejacobs1364]

I'm so pleased this Challah worked out for you.

[@sarajeanangelus]

Hi Kevin....Love your videos...Very informative. I've made your white bread and your fluffy dinner rolls and both came out as described so soon I, am going to make this challah bread. My husband and I love your youtube. Thanks again, Donna

[@sharonb4606]

Your mantra, over-under-over, simplified the process for me. No letters, numbers, or color coding needed.

[@kitwinn1942]

The challah looks delicious, so fluffy and soft inside, will try that this weekend.

[@judithlevi5580]

I love ❤️ your technique!! 💕

[@judithlevi5580]

Smiling because of you 😀