Whole Wheat Challah Recipe

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Snacks, Sides
whole wheat round challah bread with sesame seeds

Challah, the soft, fluffy braided bread that holds a significant place in Jewish culture, is often at the center of Rosh Hashanah celebrations. If you’re looking to incorporate a healthier twist into this beloved classic, this Whole Wheat Challah recipe is the perfect solution.

This version uses both bread flour and whole wheat flour, striking a balance between tradition and nutrition. Whether you’re celebrating the Jewish New Year or simply craving homemade bread, this whole wheat challah bread will be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Plus, with just 86 calories per serving, you can enjoy it guilt-free while nourishing your body with whole grains.

The Benefits of Whole Wheat Challah

Compared to regular challah, this whole wheat version offers a range of health benefits, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat more mindfully. Whole wheat is less processed than refined white flour, which means it retains more of the wheat kernel’s nutrients. These include fiber, vitamins and minerals that are essential for digestion, heart health and overall well-being. With each bite, you’re not just indulging in a traditional treat—you’re fueling your body with a smarter carbohydrate choice.

For those following a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, this recipe counts as one SmartCarb per serving, allowing you to enjoy a homemade bread while staying on track.

How to Make Whole Wheat Challah

Making this whole wheat challah bread is surprisingly simple, even if you’re new to baking. The dough is easy to work with and only requires a few basic steps, from mixing the ingredients to braiding the dough.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses a combination of whole wheat and bread flour. The whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and denser texture, while the bread flour ensures the bread remains light and fluffy. The addition of melted light butter, egg and a little canola oil gives the challah its soft richness.

Active dry yeast and a touch of white sugar ensures the bread rises well, creating a pillowy loaf. And if you love a bit of crunch, sprinkling sesame or poppy seeds on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Process

To make this whole wheat challah, you’ll start by activating the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar. Once the yeast becomes frothy, you’ll add in the wet ingredients—melted butter, beaten egg and oil. Slowly mix in the bread flour and white whole wheat flour until a dough forms. Then, it’s time to knead!

Kneading the dough is key to achieving a smooth, elastic texture. After an initial round of kneading, you’ll let the dough rise for about 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. The second round of kneading helps ensure the dough is ready for shaping.

A circle braid is traditional for Rosh Hashanah, but you can shape the challah however you’d like. Once shaped, let the dough rise for another hour, then brush with an egg yolk wash for that classic golden sheen. If you prefer, sprinkle some sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking.

Bake for around 30 minutes, and once it’s golden brown, you’ll have a beautiful loaf of whole wheat challah bread that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ways to Serve and Customize Your Whole Wheat Challah

Challah is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. On its own, it’s delicious as a side for soups, salads or holiday meals. But there are so many other creative ways to enjoy it!

  • Sweeten It Up: If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dough for a slightly sweeter challah. Or, serve it with fruit preserves or honey butter.
  • Savory Variations: For a more savory twist, mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage. A sprinkling of sea salt on top before baking can elevate the flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes.
  • French Toast Delight: Challah also makes for amazing French toast! Dip slices in an egg and milk mixture, then pan-fry for a breakfast treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  • Holiday Special: For Rosh Hashanah, challah is often served with honey, symbolizing the wish for a sweet new year. Pair your whole wheat challah with apples and honey for a festive and traditional touch.

With its wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor, this whole wheat challah bread is the perfect addition to your Rosh Hashanah table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or gifting a loaf to a friend, this recipe brings together tradition, nutrition and taste in one beautifully braided loaf.

Servings: 16

Calories per Serving: 86

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet dry active yeast
  • 2 Tbsp. white sugar
  • 5 fl. oz. warm water
  • ¾ Tbsp. light butter, melted
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 Tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 ½ cups bread flour
  • ½ cup white whole wheat flour, plus extra for kneading
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tsp. water
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Pour yeast and sugar into warm water and mix. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes until it "blooms" or bubbles up.
  2. Add melted butter, egg and oil.
  3. Mix with your hands, slowly incorporating the bread flour and whole wheat flour until it forms a dough.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Let the dough sit for 10 minutes, then knead again for another 5-7 minutes, until it's no longer sticky. Form the dough into a round shape.
  6. Lightly oil a bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it over a few times to oil the surface of the dough.
  7. Cover the bowl with a thin cloth and place in a warm, dark place. Let the dough rise for 1 ½ hours. The dough should double in size.
  8. Punch down the dough and knead it a few times to remove some bubbles.
  9. Shape or braid the dough. (A circle is customary for Rosh Hashana.)
  10. Grease a baking pan and add the dough. Cover again with a cloth and let it rise for 1 hour.
  11. Towards the end of the hour, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  12. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of water.
  13. After the hour, brush the dough with the egg yolk mixture. Sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
  14. Place the dough in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  15. Remove from oven and pan. Place on a wire rack to cool.
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