Best Garlic Herb Challah Recipes

GARLIC AND ONION CHALLAH BREAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and 1 teaspoon of the sugar and give it a little stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl or the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, kosher salt and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil and 4 of the eggs.
• When the yeast is foamy, add it to the dry mixture immediately followed by the egg mixture and stir to combine. Knead, either by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook, adding more white flour as necessary (but resist any urge to add too much!), until you have a smooth and slightly sticky dough, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until it has doubled in size, about 2 hours. It will take slightly longer if you're using whole wheat flour. Alternatively, you can stick it in the refrigerator overnight and then let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before shaping.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll out each piece into a large strip, 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick and about 3 inches wide. Brush down each center with melted butter. Down the center, add the chopped onions and garlic. Roll each piece to seal in the onion mixture. Braid 3 of the pieces together, tucking the ends underneath to seal. Repeat with the remaining 3 pieces to make a second loaf. Place on the lined baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the honey and remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush the bread top with the mixture and sprinkle with flaky salt.
• Bake until golden brown and not doughy in the center, about 35 minutes, but start checking at 28 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

PARMESAN GARLIC HERB BREAD

Steps:

• In a bowl or large measuring cup combine the water, sugar and yeast. Stir to mix. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, herbs, salt, pepper and Parmesan. Stir to mix.
• Add the oil and the garlic to the yeast-water mix. Stir to mix.
• Add the liquids to the dry ingredients. Stir to mix thoroughly. A dough ball will form.
• Knead dough in bowl or lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes.
• When finished kneading, coat all sides of the ball of dough with the 1T extra olive oil. Let rest in a draft free place (inside the oven will work) for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours -- until the dough has doubled in volume.
• After that, 'punch down' the dough and knead briefly.
• Form into loaf, place in baking pan (I line the pan with parchment paper so it doesn't stick to the pan) and let rest again for about 40 - 50 minutes.
• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine egg and water by whisking with fork. This is your 'egg wash'.
• Using a soft basting brush or pastry brush, paint loaf with egg wash. If you are using the sesame seeds, sprinkle them on top now. Make 1 long superficial slice down the middle of the loaf or 4 diagonal slices.
• Bake for about 33 - 35 minutes. Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.
• Enjoy with Italian foods, as toast or later on, dry and use as croutons.