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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

Savor the Flavor: 5 Best Challah Bread Substitutes

Swap Best Challah Bread with Brioche Bread, Hawaiian Bread, French Bread, Portuguese Sweet Bread, and Italian Bread.

Brioche Bread

Brioche bread is a type of French pastry made from rich dough containing eggs and butter.

For cooking, Hawaiian Bread also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Oh, challah! If you've landed here, you're probably knee-deep in a craving or smack in the middle of a recipe realizing, oops, no challah in the pantry.

Finding a substitute for challah bread isn't just about salvaging a meal; it's a tasty twist destined to happen.

Sure, challah's unique - its rich, slightly sweet taste and braided beauty are kind of its thing. Still, there are bread out there eager to jump in and save the day.

Toasty on the outside, fluffy on the inside - we're talking about options that'll make you forget what you were missing.

From the rustic charm of brioche to the hearty touch of artisanal loaves, we're going on a savory swap-out spree.

Ready to turn an "Oh, no" into an "Oh, yes"?

what is challah bread Save for Later!

Table of Contents

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  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Challah Bread
    • 1 - Brioche Bread
    • 2 - Hawaiian Bread
    • 3 - French Bread
    • 4 - Portuguese Sweet Bread
    • 5 - Italian Bread
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Challah Bread

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make bread to serve at your next meal, challah bread is a great option.

But what if you don't have any challah bread on hand? Here are five of the best substitutes for challah bread that will make your meal just as tasty:

1 - Brioche Bread

brioche bread Save for Later!

Brioche bread is a type of French pastry made from rich dough containing eggs and butter.

The dough is typically baked in a special brioche pan, which gives the bread its characteristic round shape and fluted sides.

Brioche bread is often served as a breakfast pastry or used to make sandwiches.

It can also be served with savory toppings such as cheese or ham or sweet toppings such as chocolate or fruit.

Brioche bread is one of the many delicious items that can be found in a French bakery.

When shopping for brioche, look for a loaf with a light, airy texture and a golden brown crust.

2 - Hawaiian Bread

hawaiian bread Save for Later!

While the origin of Hawaiian bread is unclear, it is thought to have come to the islands with early Polynesian settlers.

Today, it is a staple of the Hawaiian diet and can be found in nearly every grocery store on the island.

The bread is made from a sweet dough typically enriched with eggs and butter.

It is then formed into a round loaf and baked until golden brown.

The result is a fluffy, tender bread with a slightly sweet flavor.

Hawaiian bread can be enjoyed on its own or used for sandwiches and other dishes.

It is also popular for making French toast and other breakfast recipes.

3 - French Bread

french bread Save for Later!

French bread is a type of yeast bread that originated in France.

It is characterized by its long, thin shape and crispy crust.

French bread is often used for sandwiches and can be found in most supermarkets.

There are many different recipes for French bread, but the basic ingredients are flour, water, yeast, and salt.

The dough is usually made by hand and allowed to rise for several hours before being shaped into loaves and baked in a hot oven.

French bread is best eaten fresh but can also be frozen and reheated.

4 - Portuguese Sweet Bread

portuguese sweet bread Save for Later!

Portugal has known for many things: its striking coastline, its bright cities, and its delicious food.

One of the country's most iconic dishes is Portuguese sweet bread, soft and fluffy treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.

The bread is made with a yeast-based dough that is enriched with eggs and milk.

Once it is baked, the bread is typically dusted with sugar or adorned with a sweet glaze.

While it is typically enjoyed plain, Portuguese sweet bread can also be served with fruit jam or cream cheese.

No matter how you enjoy it, this delicious bread is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

5 - Italian Bread

italian bread Save for Later!

There are few things more delicious than a warm, crusty piece of Italian bread.

The dough is soft and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the olive oil and sugar.

The crust is golden brown and crispy, with a beautiful sheen from the egg wash.

And when you bite into it, the bread springs back, releasing a rush of steam.

Whether it's used for dipping into olive oil or topped with your favorite deli meats, Italian bread is the perfect addition to any meal.

You won't be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Best Challah Bread?

Brioche Bread, Hawaiian Bread, French Bread, Portuguese Sweet Bread, and Italian Bread. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Best Challah Bread.

Is there a good swap for this ingredient?

You have several options. Brioche Bread matches the original closely, while Hawaiian Bread brings a slightly different character.

Either works at a 1:1 ratio.

Are there any substitutes that are easier to find?

Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.

Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.

What dishes work best with a substitute?

Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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