Gluten-Free Challah Bread
Description
This challah has all the softness, golden color, and beautiful braiding of traditional challah, but it’s made with a custom gluten-free blend. Enriched with egg yolks, olive oil, and just the right balance of psyllium husk for structure, this is a showstopper bread for any celebration.
Ingredients
Wet Mixture:
Dry Ingredients:
Enriching Ingredients:
For Brushing and Topping:
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Prepare Psyllium Gel
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Gather your required ingredients.
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In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
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Let sit for 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
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Add psyllium husk and mix. Let stand for 5 minutes until it becomes a gel.
Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a separate large bowl, combine tapioca starch, potato starch, Caputo flour, protein powder, salt.
Combine and Knead
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Add the wet psyllium gel mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
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Add in the whole egg, egg yolks, and olive oil and mix to combine.
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Mix or knead until a smooth, soft dough forms. It will be slightly tacky but moldable.
First Rise
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Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the dough has increased by size by about 30-50%
Shape the Challah
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Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape, then roll into logs.
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Braid the dough as desired (these instructions are for a 4-strand loaf, but it can be made with 3 strands, or even 6!) and place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Second Rise
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Cover loosely and let rise again for 45–60 minutes, or until noticeably puffed.
Egg Wash and Bake
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Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
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Brush the top of the challah gently with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
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Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes, then reduce to 190°C (375°F) and bake for another 15 minutes, or until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and Serve
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Cool the challah completely on a wire rack — at least 1–2 hours — before slicing. This helps finish the setting and prevents gumminess.
Note
Store in a linen bag or an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temperature. Freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.