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Pimento Cheese Babka

The ultimate Southern staple weaving in and out of sweet and crunchy challah bread.
Prep Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 2 Loaves

Ingredients

For the Pimento Cheese:

  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped jarred pimentos
  • ½-1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Challah:

  • 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup sugar
  • 6 1/2 cups all purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions

  1. Combine the yeast, water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Let sit for five minutes until frothy.
  2. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. In a separate small bowl, mix together the eggs, oil, and honey.
  3. Add the frothy yeast mixture to the flour mixture followed by the egg mixture and stir until combined. With the hook attachment on medium, knead until smooth and slightly sticky, about 7-10 minutes. Add more flour as needed.
  4. Transfer the dough to a an oiled bowl. Cover in plastic wrap and let rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Divide the dough in half, form into a 10x14 inch rectangle. Spread half the mixture on to the dough, leaving a 1 inch border. Roll the long edge up to the other long edge to form a jelly roll. Pinch the edges shut. Use a long serrated knife to cut the roll in half length wise.
  6. Turn each half so it is filling side up. Twist the two pieces of dough around one another. Fold the dough in half and place in a greased loaf pan. Let the loaf rise for 30 minutes.
  7. While the loaf rises, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  8. Brush the top of the dough with egg wash. Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Transfer to wire rack to completely cooling.