Toasted Challah for Dipping
Thick slices of rich, eggy challah bread brushed with olive oil and toasted until golden brown and crispy. These challah toasts are perfect for dipping into your favorite spreads, soups, or enjoying on their own.
For 12 servings
6 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven
- a.For the fastest results, set your oven to broil on high and position a rack 4-6 inches from the heat source. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking.
- 2
Prepare the challah slices
- a.Arrange the slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Brush one side of each challah slice generously with the seasoned olive oil mixture using a pastry brush.
- 4
Toast the challah
- a.Place the baking sheet in the oven. If broiling, toast for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp. Watch it very carefully, as it can burn in seconds. If baking, bake for 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Flip the slices, brush the second side with the remaining oil mixture, and return to the oven. Broil or bake for another 1-3 minutes until the second side is also golden and toasted to your liking.
- 6
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute
- a.Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dips or soups.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Day-old challah is ideal as it's slightly drier and holds its shape better when sliced and toasted.
- 2Watch the challah like a hawk under the broiler. The egg and sugar content can cause it to go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- 3For a potent garlic flavor, rub a peeled, raw garlic clove over the surface of the hot toasts right after they come out of the oven.
- 4These toasts are best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and re-crisp in a toaster or oven for a minute before serving.
- 5For an even quicker method, you can make these in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbed Toasts
Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, rosemary, or za'atar to the olive oil mixture for an aromatic twist.
Cheesy ToastsCheesy Toasts
After flipping the slices, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese before the final toasting.
Sweet Cinnamon ToastsSweet Cinnamon Toasts
Omit the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Instead, mix the olive oil (or melted butter) with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Brush on the challah and toast as directed. Perfect for dipping in coffee or a sweet cream cheese dip.
Spicy ToastsSpicy Toasts
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the olive oil for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the challah bread are easily digested, providing a quick and accessible source of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Contains Healthy Fats
Made with extra virgin olive oil, this recipe is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Each slice of toasted challah contains approximately 150-160 calories, primarily from the bread and olive oil. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of your slice and the specific challah loaf used.