Does the type of egg wash you use really make a difference? Can you use just leftover egg white or do you need to crack open a new egg? We took the task to heart, and tested 9 different ways you can top your challah.
This post is part of a “Shabbos Potluck,” where lots of popular kosher bloggers are sharing Shabbos recipes along with some thoughts on, “What does Shabbos mean to us?” Well, since there’s five girls behind Between Carpools, it’s possible that we’d give five different answers. But there’s still lots to agree on…and the first thing we’d say is that there’s a certain thrill upon waking up on Friday morning, knowing that today will be devoted to preparing for Shabbos. As it gets closer, it’s more exciting. Here’s a day where we get to get rid of all the “stuff” we need to deal with and everyday life, peel it all away, and devote ourselves to everything that’s really meaningful. Whether that’s bonding with our spouse and kids around the table, davening without worrying about running late to carpool (of course, that needs to always get in there), and perhaps reading and getting inspired by a real book instead of a screen. How happy do you feel when you wake up Shabbos morning, think for a second what day it is, and then remember…it’s Shabbos?
And, of course, good food is very important part of oneg Shabbos, so we’re happy to take part in today’s Shabbos Potluck. So we’re showing you different ways to glaze your challah. Read on for some great tips!
Top Row; L-R – double egg wash, whole egg, yolk only
Double egg wash is when you brush the egg wash on the rolls before it rises and again after it rises, right before placing it in the oven.
Middle Row; L-R egg white, egg with sugar, no egg wash
Bottom Row; L-R (egg-free options): maple syrup, olive oil, honey with some water to think it out
So which was best?
The shiniest egg wash was the middle one; the egg with a little sugar in it. Coming in close second was the egg yolk.
The best egg-free version was hands down: maple syrup. (So yes! It’s possible to get some shine without egg!).
Now that our egg wash is set, want to learn how to braid these round challah rolls? Click here.
See other potluck recipes:
Challah:
How to Hack a Challah by @cookinginheels
Appetizers and Salads:
Roasted Eggplant Salad @spiceandzest
Salatim @thekatamonkitchen
Red snapper with charred potatoes, tomatoes & lemons by @thesugarboxmtl
Mains:
Lamb Roast by @peaslovencarrots
T’Bit: Iraqi Slow Cooked Chicken and Brown Rice by @sinamizrahi
Roasted Veggie Platter @kitchentested
Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups by Beth Warren
Funfetti Dessert Bites by @busyinbrooklyn
Sticky Pecan Challah Hamentashen by @joyofkosher
I used to do the whole egg for convenience but then I tried the yolk only and I’m ready to sacrifice the white for that beautiful deeply dark sheen.
I’ve been doing whole eggs for years lately tried with a little sugar. It’s gorgeous! Would love to have a step by step guide how to make these beautiful buns..
Leah, can you please let us know how to make these cute rolls?! Want to make them this week for the Purim seudah…;)
Thank you!
Hi Dinah, the link for the challahs is in the post. Here is a link https://betweencarpools.com/how-to-braid-a-round-challah/
My question is, how on a big loaf to get the little unwashed parts that open as the hollow bakes? How do they do it at the bakery where the entire loaf is shiny in every crease??
Hi Leah! I was wondering how much sugar you put in the egg + sugar wash. Thanks!
a pinch or two per egg.
how do you keep towel from sticking to dough (st first rise) when double washing
Hi. Another egg free solution for a shine is plain water. Gross bakery in BP gave me that tip. They sell egg free challah with a very shiny finish and told me it’s plain water. I baked egg free challos for around 7 years and used their method and my challos were super shiny.
Do you add water to the egg or it’s purely just the egg itself?
Someone once told me to put some coffee in the egg before brushing the challah they come out shiny and gourgeos