Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A beautifully braided, soft challah bread enriched with honey and bright orange zest, perfect for celebrating Easter brunch or Holy Week. This mediterranean-inspired easter ready in about 65 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) instant yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 12 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F) and 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, stirring gently. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup honey, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp orange zest to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding small amounts of flour if necessary.
  5. Step 5: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide into three equal strands. Roll each into a 12-inch rope, then braid them tightly and tuck ends underneath.
  7. Step 7: Place the braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the loaf gently with the egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) to give a shiny crust.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braided Easter Challah with Honey and Orange Zest?

Mediterranean easter like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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