Pass the challah! Pass it right now!
When a cornbread meets challah, it’s the best of both worlds! This Cornbread Challah is the perfect combination of homemade cornbread and braided Challah bread. Sweet, savory and full of flavor. The recipe also makes use of dry cornmeal so every bite is extra hearty and delicious!
I have always loved challah, but this is a perfect middle-ground for people who aren’t sure about the traditional eggy challah in terms of taste and texture but don’t want to miss out on the challah party. The bread has a moist texture with bits of corn kernels, and pairs nicely with any meal. It’s incredibly filling just by itself as well!
This Cornbread Challah is the perfect bread to nosh on when you’re looking for something hearty and filling. Scroll down below for the full rundown of my Cornbr
ead Challah recipe!
Cornbread Challah
Ingredients
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup lukewarm water, divided
- 1 14 oz can corn, liquid reserved (makes 1/2 cup liquid)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 5-6 cups all purpose flour
- 1 egg Egg wash
- 2 tbsp water Egg wash
- Sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Combine yeast, sugar, and ½ cup water in a bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam or “bloom”. **if the yeast does not bloom, you may need to get fresher yeast**
- Add remaining water, corn, canned corn liquid, egg, honey, oil and salt, mixing on low to combine. Replace the paddle for the dough hook.
- Add cornmeal, mixing to combine. Add flour, one cup at a time, mix on low using the dough hook. Knead the dough until smooth and no longer sticky, adding more flour as needed. Transfer to a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with a clean, damp towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cut into 4 pieces. Set one piece aside. Cut the remaining 3 pieces into 12 total balls.
- Roll into 6 inch ropes and tie in a knot.Roll the remaining quarter into 2 ropes, dip into egg or water and into sesame seeds. This will be your corn husk.
- Arrange the dough balls into an oval on a lined tray, with the husk, sesame pieces on either side.
- Bake for 40 minutes, turning the tray halfway through and brushing with additional egg wash.
Cornbread Challah
Author: Micah Siva
Makes 2 large challahs
Ingredients
- 1 package instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup lukewarm water, divided
- 1, 14oz can corn, liquid reserved (makes ½ cup liquid)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 5 -6 cups all purpose flour
- Egg wash:
– 1 egg
– 2 tbsp water
– Sesame seeds, optional
Preparation:
- Combine yeast, sugar, and ½ cup water in a bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam or “bloom”. **if the yeast does not bloom, you may need to get fresher yeast**
- Add remaining water, corn kernels, canned corn liquid, egg, honey, oil and salt, mixing on low to combine. Replace the paddle for the dough hook.
- Add cornmeal, mixing to combine. Add flour, one cup at a time, mix on low using the dough hook. Knead the dough until smooth and no longer sticky, adding more flour as needed. Transfer to a clean, oiled bowl. Cover with a clean, damp towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough to remove any air bubbles, and transfer to a floured surface. Knead in 1 cup corn kernels.
- Cut into 4 pieces. Set one piece aside. Cut the remaining 3 pieces into 12 total balls. Roll into 6 inch ropes and tie in a knot.
- Roll the remaining 1uarter into 2 ropes, dip into egg or water and into sesame seeds. This will be your corn husk.
- Arrange the dough balls into an oval on a lined tray, with the husk, sesame pieces on either side.
- Make the egg wash: whisk together egg and water. Brush with egg wash. Top with additional corn, if desired.
- Bake for 40 minutes, turning the tray halfway through and brushing with additional egg wash.
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