Whole Wheat Challah Recipe

Ingredients
Equipment
Directions
FAQs
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This wholesome challah combines whole wheat and bread flours with active dry yeast, warm water, vegetable oil, honey, eggs, and salt. Optional toppings include sesame or poppy seeds. The blend of flours creates the perfect balance of nutrition and traditional challah texture.
Learn how to cook Whole Wheat Challah by activating yeast in warm water and honey, mixing with flours, oil, eggs and salt, then kneading until elastic. After the first rise, shape into a traditional braid, allow a second rise, brush with egg wash, and bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until golden brown with a hollow sound when tapped.
While a simple 3-strand braid works beautifully, the classic 6-strand method creates the most impressive challah. Start with equal ropes, number them 1-6, and follow this pattern: take strand 6, cross over 1, then 5 over 2, 6 over 3, 5 over 4. Repeat until complete, tucking ends under.
Whole wheat dough requires patience as it rises more slowly than white flour dough. Use warm water (43°C) to activate yeast properly, ensure your rising environment is warm (24-27°C), and don't rush the process. Adding some bread flour provides extra gluten structure for better rise.
Absolutely! Challah freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, wrap tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a 150°C oven for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, shape the dough and freeze before the final rise.
Whole Grain Bread
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