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How to Make 4-Strand Challah | Fluffy, Golden & Foolproof!
In Breads and Bakery

How to Make 4-Strand Challah | Fluffy, Golden & Foolproof!



How to Make 4-Strand Challah | Fluffy, Golden & Foolproof!

Braiding challah can feel intimidating—but I promise, once you learn the 4-strand method, it becomes second nature! In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly how to create a beautifully braided challah that’s just as fluffy and delicious as it looks.

I’m also sharing my tried-and-true challah dough recipe—developed as a busy mom looking for an efficient, no-fail method that still delivers perfect results every single time.
Whether it’s for Shabbat, Yom Tov, or a cozy Friday at home, this challah will become your go-to.

🍞 Challah Recipe (Step-by-Step):
1️⃣ Add 5 ½ cups of water to a large bowl.
2️⃣ Add 1 cup of sugar and 4 tbsp of yeast. Let it proof.
3️⃣ Mix in ½ a bag of high-gluten flour (or all-purpose flour).
4️⃣ Add 2 tbsp salt, 1 cup of oil, and the remaining flour.
5️⃣ Knead until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
6️⃣ Knead again for a smooth finish.
7️⃣ Divide, braid, and proof the strands for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
8️⃣ Pro Tip: Place the proofed challahs into a cold oven, then set it to 350°F. The gradual rise in temperature creates fluffy, beautiful challah!
9️⃣ Bake for 25-45 minutes, depending on the size.

Bonus Pro Tips:

Roll out each strand into a disc and then a log to get a beautiful rise.
For that bakery-style golden color, don’t skip the sugar in your dough!

Place proofed loaves into a cold oven and let them bake as it preheats—game changer for a perfect rise.

Full recipe and step-by-step guide now on my channel!
Download my printable recipes from Etsy—
Link in bio!

#ChallahTutorial #4StrandChallah #BraidedChallah #JewishBaking #ShabbatChallah #HomemadeBread #KosherRecipes #ShabbatPrep #EasyChallah #ChallahTips #BreadBaking #ChallahBraid #ChallahInspo #SonyaBakes #SonyaPrep #KosherFoodie

let’s face it there are a ton of amazing kala recipes and they all come out delicious but at the end of the day it all boils down to your technique and method and I’ll share mine with you today once your dough is made and has doubled in size separate a small portion into four which will be your strands roll out each ball into a flat disc and then into a tight log this causes tension in the dough which creates an even and fluffy rise pinch the seam close creating a smooth and uniform log roll each log out a bit combine the strands and pinch well at the top now here is how I braid my favorite four strand three four two over one in the middle now we start on the other end one 2 3 4 number two over number one in the middle 1 2 3 4 two over one in the middle one two three four two over one in the middle and you keep going [Music] until Pinch both ends closed tuck them under smush them a little bit to make you look nice and fluffy and place them on a baking tray to rise for an additional hour now for the most asked questions about my kalas how do I get them to have that beautiful golden color on it i have found that the less sugar content the kala has the paler it will be so be sure to add in the one cup of sugar to the recipe it really makes all the difference egg wash the kala with one egg and one tablespoon of water then sprinkle on with some sesame seeds for that iconic kala look [Music] now here’s a tip for those fluffy golden kalas place them into a cold oven and turn it on to 350 i know it’s scandalous but the slow elevation in temperature will allow your kala to rise even further giving them this gorgeous fluffy look halfway through the cooking process switch the trays around and cook for an additional 25 minutes until they’re perfect golden soft and delicious i hope you guys enjoy this recipe and these techniques shabbat shalom from my family to yours

41 Comments

  1. @SonyasPrep

    How to Make 4-Strand Challah | Fluffy, Golden & Foolproof!

    Braiding challah can feel intimidating—but I promise, once you learn the 4-strand method, it becomes second nature! In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly how to create a beautifully braided challah that’s just as fluffy and delicious as it looks.

    I’m also sharing my tried-and-true challah dough recipe—developed as a busy mom looking for an efficient, no-fail method that still delivers perfect results every single time.
    Whether it’s for Shabbat, Yom Tov, or a cozy Friday at home, this challah will become your go-to.

    🍞 Challah Recipe (Step-by-Step):
    1️⃣ Add 5 ½ cups of water to a large bowl.
    2️⃣ Add 1 cup of sugar and 4 tbsp of yeast. Let it proof.
    3️⃣ Mix in ½ a bag 2.5LBS of high-gluten flour (or all-purpose flour).
    4️⃣ Add 2 tbsp salt, 1 cup of oil, and the remaining flour.
    5️⃣ Knead until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
    6️⃣ Knead again for a smooth finish.
    7️⃣ Divide, braid, and proof the strands for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
    8️⃣ Pro Tip: Place the proofed challahs into a cold oven, then set it to 350°F. The gradual rise in temperature creates fluffy, beautiful challah!
    9️⃣ Bake for 25-45 minutes, depending on the size.

    Bonus Pro Tips:

    Roll out each strand into a disc and then a log to get a beautiful rise.
    For that bakery-style golden color, don’t skip the sugar in your dough!

    Place proofed loaves into a cold oven and let them bake as it preheats—game changer for a perfect rise.

    Full recipe and step-by-step guide now on my channel!
    Download my printable recipes from Etsy—
    Link in bio!

    #ChallahTutorial #4StrandChallah #BraidedChallah #JewishBaking #ShabbatChallah #HomemadeBread #KosherRecipes #ShabbatPrep #EasyChallah #ChallahTips #BreadBaking #ChallahBraid #ChallahInspo #SonyaBakes #SonyaPrep #KosherFoodie

  6. @connienovak1011

    Love your videos! And I'm so glad to be back to baking and EATING Challah!! Although chocolate covered matzah did go down pretty easy. 😅🤣

  34. @quicodlp

    I’m always impressed by how much Sonya does to prep for Shabbat. What I’ve learned from her is that you have to start preparing days in advance. I used to do it all on Friday lol

  36. @jrn9439

    where do you get your strength and motivation? Lately I've been very overwhelmed and depressed

  40. @YtUser-c1c

    I followed your instructions and I got a great Challah. The water added to the egg made a big difference as did the cold oven. Todah rabah!

  41. @w9a9ewawawawawawa

    Hi Sonya, can you please elaborate on how you placed the braided challah in the fridge and then bake? What was the process? Tysm

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