Challah Bread Recipe

Steps

1. 1Combine yeast and warm water. Add sugar, stir gently and allow to sit for about 10 minutes to bubble and foam.
2. 2Add melted butter and eggs to yeast mixture. Whisk together.
3. 3Add flour, 1 cup at a time, combining well after each addition.
4. 4Add salt and stir well.
5. 5Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to double in bulk, at least 1-2 hours.
6. 6Pour dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Cut dough into 3-4 strips and braid. Place onto a lightly greased kitchen sheet pan and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise again to double in size, at least 1 hour.
7. 7Preheat oven to 325º F if using a convection oven and 375º F if standard.
8. 8Remove plastic wrap and brush lightly with egg wash made of egg whisked together with water.
9. 9If baking in a convection oven, bake for about 35 minutes. If baking in a standard oven, bake for about 45-50 minutes.
10. 10Bread will be done when it is nicely browned on top and when tapped on the the bottom, the bread sounds hollow. If checking by thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 200º F on an instant read thermometer.
11. 11Cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes prior to slicing.