Sy's Braided Challah Loaf

1. 1

   Put the sugar, oil, and salt in a mixing bowl for an electric mixer with a dough hook or in any large bowl. Add hot water and stir to dissolve the sugar and salt. Stir in the yeast and let it sit until the mixture becomes foamy. Add 3 slightly beaten eggs.

2. 2

   If using an electric mixer, add 4 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until the flour is incorporated and the dough becomes stringy, indicating the gluten has developed. Continue adding flour until the dough gathers onto the dough hook; 1 or 2 cups is usually enough. Let the hook keep kneading for several minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. 3

   To knead by hand, stir 4 1/2 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Turn the soft dough out onto a lightly floured surface and work in 1 to 2 cups of flour. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn it several times to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise until doubled in size. Punch it down after the first rise and let it rise a second time. The first rise is about 1 hour and the second about 45 minutes. Two rises make better bread, but if time is tight, do only one.

5. 5

   Divide the dough in half, then divide each half into three or four equal parts. Form two braids and place both on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until doubled. Brush with the remaining 1 egg, beaten, and sprinkle with poppy seeds.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let the loaves cool on a wire rack.

• Calories 166.51 kcal Moderate
• Protein 4.95 g Low Source
• Carbs 27.72 g Moderate
• Total Fat 3.45 g Low Source
• Saturated Fat 0.73 g Low Source
• Trans Fat 0.01 g High
• Cholesterol 39.0 mg Moderate
• Sodium 28.32 mg Low Source
• Fiber 1.27 g Low Source
• Sugar 2.7 g Moderate
• Added Sugar 0.52 g Low Source
• Calcium 12.56 mg Low Source
• Iron 1.86 mg Moderate
• Potassium 31.28 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 9.97 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.04 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.3 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Sesame