The Best Gluten-Free Challah Bread

How to Make Challah Bread

Like any gluten-free bread, making challah bread takes time and patience.

First, mix together warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Then, set the yeast mixture to the side for about five minutes. The yeast will need time to activate. You can tell the yeast has activated when the mixture begins to smell fragrant and it looks “foamy”.

While the yeast is activating, grab a small bowl for the wet ingredients. Combine plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, safflower oil, and maple syrup. Here, safflower oil is taking the place of vegetable oil and maple syrup is used instead of honey or the addition of more cane sugar.

Once the yeast has activated, pour the mixture into the bowl with the other wet ingredients. Next, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This recipe will be using a mixture of two gluten-free flours. First add three cups of all-purpose flour, then add two cups of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour. Next, add the xanthan gum, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Use a fork to combine the dry ingredients before pouring the wet ingredients in.

Then, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to thoroughly combine the ingredients. This will also help knead the dough. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use an electric mixer or you can use your hands. If you’re going to use your hands, just make sure to occasionally wet your hands with cold water to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands. Knead the dough until thoroughly combined and workable.

Braiding the Bread

Now it’s time to braid the challah bread! Divide the dough into two balls, then split each into three balls. Place the three balls of dough on flour dusted surface. To start the braid, wet your hands and pinch together one end of each coil. Once connected, start the strand braid.

To finish the braid, connect the three pieces of dough at the other end. Transfer the braid to a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, mix together one room temperature egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush the challah braid with the egg wash before sprinkling one tablespoon of poppy seeds on top of the dough.

Finally, repeat this process with the other loaf.

Time to Cook the Challah Bread

Once both loaves of challah bread are ready, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, turn the oven off and place the baking sheets with the challah bread in the oven. This unusual process allows the bread to rise in a warm, controlled area.

After 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the challah bread for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Finally, allow the loaves to cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.