Four-Braided Round Challah

This intricate four-braid round challah looks like it came from a professional bakery, but the technique is far more approachable than it appears. It makes a stunning centerpiece for Rosh Hashana or any Shabbat when you want the table to feel extra special.

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What You'll Need

• Challah dough (see the dough recipe below)
• Round baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Egg wash
• Crumb topping

Braiding the Challah

1. Make 4 equal dough snakes.
2. Arrange 2 vertical and 2 horizontal in a cross pattern.
3. Weave them: over, under, under, over.
4. Fold each under snake over the one next to it.
5. Repeat in the opposite direction.
6. Continue until fully braided.
7. Pinch the ends underneath.
8. Let rise.
9. Brush with egg wash.
10. Add crumb topping.
11. Bake for 28 to 35 minutes.

The Dough

This shape starts with your favorite challah dough, or use Sarah's famous challah recipe on the card below. The full step-by-step dough videos live in our Challah Time post.

Once you learn this braid you will never look at a plain round challah the same way.