How to Prepare Stuffed Challah Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making stuffed challah bread involves incorporating a filling into the traditional braided dough. Here’s a basic recipe for stuffed challah bread, providing you with a delicious twist to a classic.

Ingredients

For the Challah Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Filling (Example: Cinnamon Sugar and Pecans)

1/2 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts) 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Challah Dough

In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and beaten eggs. Mix until the dough comes together and knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two halves. Roll each portion into a rectangle.

Brush the rectangles with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and nut mixture evenly over the surfaces. Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, sealing the edges. Optionally, you can twist or braid the two logs together to form the stuffed challah.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Place the braided or twisted dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the stuffed challah for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving.

Feel free to customize the filling to your liking, whether you prefer it sweet or savory. Enjoy your homemade stuffed challah bread!

Keywords: stuffed challah, challah bread recipe, braided dough