30 Amazing Challah Recipes

Keep your challah interesting and flavorful year-round with these sweet and savory variations on a Jewish classic.

There are few things more perfect than a classic challah (recipe here). But sometimes it can be wonderful to mix it up, especially with surprising flavor combinations. These recipes, from savory to sweet, will keep your challah game interesting all year long. Don’t worry, we’ve included gluten-free and vegan options too!

Savory Challahs

Homemade Challah Pretzel Buns

Challah rolls just got a whole lot better.

Summer Pesto and Gruyere Stuffed Challah

This challah is a delicious meal all on its own!

Pastrami Sandwich Challah

Yes, you can bake meat into your challah to create this Jewish deli-inspired loaf.

Dill Pickle Challah

Why should pastrami be the only deli ingredient in your challah? The fresh dill on top makes this loaf especially beautiful.

Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Challah

What’s not to love?

Butternut Squash and Sage Challah

A lovely, autumnal loaf.

Scallion Pancake Challah

Challah with a Chinese twist, from celebrity chef Molly Yeh.

Savory Za’atar Challah

The classic Middle Eastern spice pairs beautifully with challah.

Ramp Chimichurri Challah

A show-stopper challah perfect for spring.

Sweet Challahs

 

Chocolate Babka Challah

Your favorite dessert meets your favorite bread.

Unicorn Challah

Sweet, whimsical, and pastel colored — with frosting and sprinkles, of course!

Gingersnap and Apple Challah

Germanic-inspired winter flavors combine for a warm, richly-spiced loaf.

Chocolate Cranberry Challah Rolls with Citrus Sugar

Fall flavors and chocolate chips together!

 

Fruit Cake Challah

Pistachios, golden raisins, and cranberries stud this sweet, colorful challah.

Coffee Cake Challah

Tastes just like Entenmann’s.

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Challah

For lovers of this classic flavor combination.

Tumeric Tahini Challah

This recipe makes a beautiful golden loaf with a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Pull-Apart Challah Stuffed with Cheese and Guava

Challah with Cuban flair!

Double Chocolate Chip Challah

This one, with chocolate dough and chocolate chips, is for the chocoholics.

 

Cranberry Sauce Stuffed Challah

Perfect for the Shabbat after Thanksgiving!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Challah

Complete with gooey marshmallows melted on top.

Challahs for Special Diets

 

Vegan Challah

No need for honey or eggs, just a maple syrup glaze!

Gluten-Free Challah

Gluten-free bread dough is similar in texture to cake batter, so it cannot be braided. This challah is baked in a pan shaped like a braided loaf to give it that classic look.

Honey Whole Wheat Challah

A little healthier, still totally delicious.

Fun Seasonal Challahs

 

12 Sweet Challahs for the Jewish New Year

Rosh Hashanah is known for challah — specifically, round-shaped challah. Here are 12 amazing ideas to start your year of challah-eating off right, from balsamic apple date challah to chocolate walnut challah.

 

Turkey-Shaped Challah for Thanksgiving

You and your guests will enjoy gobbling this!

 

Crown-Shaped Poppyseed-Stuffed Challah for Purim

Honor both Queen Esther and the classic hamantaschen filling with this beautiful challah.

Sweet Russian Purim Challah

The Russian take on Purim challah includes dried fruit, citrus peel, and a powdered sugar frosting.

Shlissel Challah for the Shabbat after Passover

Did you know there’s a Jewish tradition of baking a key into your challah, or baking your challah into the shape of a key for the Shabbat following Passover?

Rainbow Challah

Perfect for Parashat Noach or pride month.

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