My challah never browns on top!

oakandfig19

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:41 pm

What’s the secret? Seeing all these pictures on social media, and I’ve never once had my challah get the nice shiny brown tone. I do put egg on it, am I nor putting enough?

ShishKabob

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:42 pm

I put a whole egg not just the whites and a little bit of sugar. I think that brings the nice shiny brown top. But there are other tips as well. Some put in a bit of water in it as well.

lavenderchimes

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:43 pm

Is your egg watered down too much? If not, try putting multiple coats while baking.

chanatron1000

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:43 pm

What temperature do you bake at, and for how long?

Plonis

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:46 pm

If I bake on the bottom rack, my challah does not brown. It only browns if I bake on the top rack.

I use a whole egg for the glaze, but don't know if that makes a difference.

lkwdlady

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 1:55 pm

Use a generous amount of egg yolk (poppy seeds) and bake on 350 for 40 minutes (depending on your oven).

copy

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 2:36 pm

I only use egg yolks sprinkle with seeds mix bake for 1 hour

Blessing1

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 2:40 pm

Use only egg yolk mixed with sugar & recoat once while baking.

Learning

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 2:46 pm

I use egg with sugar and cinnamon on top.

Rubber Ducky

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 3:00 pm

Try a higher position in the oven.

nosher

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 3:03 pm

Egg yolks with sugar and a drop of water. Coat once then coat again and sprinkle with seeds if using.

Try putting your challos in the oven on 400 for 15 minutes before turning oven down to 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Last edited by nosher on Thu, Sep 26 2019, 10:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

Jewishfoodie

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 3:45 pm

After top rack browns, switch out the challos. It sounds like an oven thing

Debbig

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 3:51 pm

1 egg
1 yolk
Some sugar
Should make them brown

loveit

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 4:45 pm

Eggs, a dash of water, dash of vanilla and a bit of sugar. I glaze first right after braiding, then a second time before popping in the oven. This gives me a gorgeous color

oakandfig19

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 6:40 pm

Will try mixing in some sugar and water and putting on top rack next time. Thanks everyone!

lkwdlady

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 10:34 pm

oakandfig19 wrote:

Will try mixing in some sugar and water and putting on top rack next time. Thanks everyone!

I never use sugar in the egg wash and it always browns
I’m wondering if your oven is hot enough? Maybe you should raise it to 375?

ddmom

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 10:42 pm

For very shiny and brown challos, try using only the yolks (save whites for something else!) My mil does that.
I never put in sugar and my challos get brown!

momsrus

Thu, Sep 26 2019, 10:44 pm

bake on 425 for 15 minutes. Lower to 350 for another half hour. You will have dark challa

Iymnok

Fri, Sep 27 2019, 2:27 am

Why is everyone suggesting sugar? Use only yolks for a dark shiny crust. No sugar or reapplying is needed. Check your upper heating element. If it’s not working right, then the top won’t brown as well.
What’s the position of your racks? The middle is best for most baking. Moving it up a level may solve your problem.

pinkpeonies

Fri, Sep 27 2019, 9:32 am

oakandfig19 wrote:

What’s the secret? Seeing all these pictures on social media, and I’ve never once had my challah get the nice shiny brown tone. I do put egg on it, am I nor putting enough?

Egg with just the yolk (not the white) and a bit of water. You can add some cinnamon and sugar if you want. My challahs are as golden brown and shiny as a picture