While homemade challah is often preferred by many Jewish households, the time-intensive labor required to put two loaves on the table weekly isn’t always feasible. This frequently leads families to seek store-bought alternatives. However, with the variety of options, it can be challenging to identify which brands compare best to homemade challah. Here is my guide to finding the most satisfying pareve and certified kosher store-bought challah option.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s sells a traditional, challah bread ($4.49) which is no ordinary store-bought challah. It stands out with its rich, eggy flavor, making it tasty. Unlike many store-bought challahs that can be dry and flaky, this loaf is moist and chewy, making each bite a pleasure. While this is a relatively plain challah, it is still delicious. Its plainness makes the bread extremely versatile as it would be delicious for the bread of a sandwich or to be paired with a spread.
The bread is visually appealing with an egg wash that makes it a shiny golden brown. However, the loaf is a bit on the smaller side, meaning it may be more fitting for a smaller gathering. This challah elevates the Shabbat meal and will likely make several more appearances on my family’s Shabbat table.
Sunflower Bakery
Sunflower Bakery sells a variety of challahs before Shabbat each week with supplemental topping options for different seasons and holidays. I tried their Party Challah ($6.50), which is a plain challah topped with rainbow sprinkles, but other non-traditional options include Honey Wheat Braided Challah ($7.00) and Almond Cream Round Challah ($8.50), in addition to plain, gluten-free and vegan challahs.
The Party Challah lives up to its name. It is fun, youthful, colorful and vibrant, truly livening the Shabbat table. The rainbow sprinkles gave the challah a sugary crust, balanced with its soft interior. The bread is light and flaky, with an undeniably enjoyable and very sweet flavor. The challah is large in size and excites a crowd, adding a festive touch to the Shabbat table, making it perfect for any special occasion.
Sunflower products can be ordered online for pick up at their Bakeshop (5951 Halpine Rd.) or Cafe (6101 Executive Blvd.), or for delivery.
Kineret
Kineret challah, priced at $7.99 from Giant and sold at other stores, is a convenient middle ground between store-bought and homemade challah. Not yet cooked, the pre-made and pre-braided dough is sold frozen. While it requires more work than just taking the loaf out of the bag, it is an easier alternative to making challah from scratch. The box provides clear baking instructions: thaw the dough at room temperature for 5-6 hours, then bake at 330°F for 35-45 minutes until golden brown.
Baking this challah at home offers several advantages. It allows the opportunity to cook with any toppings, ensuring a personalized touch. The freshness of the bread is also guaranteed, as it is baked just before serving. Additionally, the process of baking fills anyone’s home with the comforting aroma that is reminiscent of homemade challah.
The challah itself is tasty, eggy and chewy, capturing the essence of traditional homemade challah. However, the loaf is on the smaller side; while the packaging suggests it serves 10, it realistically only serves around five for a full Shabbat meal.
Rosendorff
Rosendorff’s challah is a standout choice for those seeking a traditional, high-quality loaf. It is large in size and can be bought at many grocery stores for $8.49 for two loaves. Beyond the classic braided loaf, Rosendorff sells other forms of challah to suit varying preferences and occasions, such as challah rolls and pull-apart challah.
The traditional braided challah is eggy, rich and dense, with a slightly doughy texture that makes it delightfully chewy. Its soft and fluffy interior is complemented by a tender sweetness, making me always tempted to take another bite. While plain, its simplicity allows it to be enjoyed with any spread or dip.
Despite being store-bought, this loaf is so tasty that it can replace homemade challah. Its quality and taste make it a reliable and delicious choice for any Shabbat table.
Personally, I liked the Rosendorff challah best due to my preferences. But, truly, all of these options are great and suit a variety of different challah tastes, serving as a more-than-sufficient substitute for homemade challah.
