Possibly the most recognized and beloved Jewish food, challah is a staple at every Jewish event — from Shabbat to holidays, weddings and beyond. And for good reason: This yeasty, pillowy bread is moreish, easy to make at home and infinitely adaptable.
Beyond that, baking challah connects many Jews to tradition and the generations before them; kneading in their nostalgia, hopes and prayers. In the past few years, community challah bakes have surged in popularity. “I believe that in a world where spirituality is dwindling, it’s in these moments of unity that the innate spark of spirituality inside of all of us,” writes Joanna Nissim of the power of baking challah together in hard times.
Over the years at The Nosher, we’ve had lots of fun playing with different flavors and forms, from the sublime to the ridiculous (but, always, delicious). So we rounded them up: 34 challah recipes to bless your table and satisfy your stomachs.
Whether you’re looking to up your challah game, experiment with dietary adaptations, incorporate new culinary traditions into the holidays, push the boundaries or, simply, you’re hungry and want to scroll through photo after photo of pillowy bread, we’ve got you covered. From honey whole wheat challah to a vegan turmeric-maple loaf; double chocolate chip challah to poppy seed challah rolls; pull-apart pizza challah to dill pickle challah, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to rate and review any recipe you try; it helps to grow The Nosher community and we love hearing from you!
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PSA: Want to bake ahead? Here’s everything you need to know about freezing challah.
Classic Challah
Knowing how to make the perfect challah is a life skill.
Garlic Knot Challah Rolls
You won’t believe how good your kitchen smells while baking these up.
Double Chocolate Chip Challah
Treat yourself.
Honey Whole Wheat Challah
Using half whole wheat flour keeps this healthful challah light and fluffy.
Summer Pesto and Gruyere Stuffed Challah
Stuffed with summertime flavors.
Savory Za’atar Challah
This Middle Eastern herby, earthy spice blend is the perfect pairing with challah.
Butternut Squash and Sage Challah
Fall flavors elevate this traditional Shabbat bread.
Balsamic Apple Date Challah
The perfect Rosh Hashanah challah recipe.
Marbled Rye Challah
This hybrid challah is truly the ideal vessel for some pastrami and mustard.
Challah Baked Brie
A delicious, decadent party appetizer.
Chocolate Cranberry Challah Rolls with Citrus Sugar
While these sweet rolls look fancy, they’re pretty simple to make.
Pull-Apart Challah Stuffed with Cheese and Guava
Blending a classic Jewish bread with tropical, tangy-smooth flavors.
Fruit Cake Challah
The ultimate holiday mash-up.
Unicorn Challah
If a rainbow challah and a funfetti challah had a little love child, it would be this whimsical and delicious loaf.
Poppy Seed-Filled Challah
Pay homage to Purim heroine, Queen Esther, with this festive challah recipe that takes inspiration from the bialy.
Pull-Apart Pumpkin Challah Rolls With Honey Butter
A sweet, golden indulgence for fall.
Poppy Seed Challah Rolls
A fresh take on Eastern European-style poppy seed rolls for Purim or anytime you fancy a sweet treat.
Sweet Russian Purim Challah
Challah gets a festive glow-up with all sorts of sweet additions worthy of this joyful holiday.
Oaxacan Chocolate-Stuffed Challah
This indulgent Mexican-inspired loaf is perfect for dipping into a hot cup of coffee.
Cranberry Sauce Stuffed Challah
The most delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Vegan Turmeric Maple Challah
A vegan challah with a sweet and colorful twist.
Almond Croissant Breakfast Challah
With swirls of citrus-infused butter and homemade marzipan, you’ll want to eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dill Pickle Challah
Challah, but make it tangy.
Vegan Challah
No vegan left behind!
Pull-Apart Challah with Pizza Dip
The mashup of our dreams.
Bread Machine Challah
An easy way to make challah every week.
Gingersnap and Apple Challah
A festive and flavorful twist on traditional challah.
Plum and Rosemary Challah
A sweet and savory challah made in the round and perfect for Rosh Hashanah.
Turmeric Tahini Challah
Start experimenting with the color, texture and shape of your challot.
Foolproof Sourdough Challah
Perfect if you already have a starter sitting in your fridge.
Chocolate Babka Challah
Challah dough pulls double duty with this delectable dessert.
Churro Challah Recipe
Two fabulously doughy dishes combined into one delicious loaf.
Pumpkin Challah
Perfect for a fall Shabbat, and symbolic among Sephardim for Rosh Hashanah.
Cinnamon Raisin Challah
Perfect for your High Holiday table or anytime you’re feeling celebratory.
Ramp Chimichurri Challah
Spring has finally sprung and I had my first sighting of ramps at the farmer’s market a few weeks ago.
