What to Eat with Challah (8 Tasty Sides You’ll Enjoy)

Many people struggle with what to serve as a side dish for their challah. It can be difficult to find a dish that is both tasty and complementary.

But don’t worry, I’ve got a few to share that you’ll love.

Look:

Recently, my friends and I entered a cooking competition held at our local community center. It was all in the name of fun, of course, but we still wanted to win!

I decided to make a few of my best side dishes for challah since I felt confident that they would help give me an edge in the competition.

Wham! It hit me when heard my name announced as the winner.

I was so elated when I found out that my side dish had won the competition. It was a great honor to be recognized among all the amazing entries. To be honest, I knew that my side dish would be a hit with everyone, and I was right! It was so popular that it quickly became a favorite among all of my friends and family.

And, it’s no wonder why!

My dishes are the perfect combination of sweet and savory and they all complement the challa so well. Hence, I thought I’d share my list of side dishes for challah in case you’re ever stuck on what to make for dinner.

Side Dishes for Challah

1. Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta Bake
2. Warm Coleslaw Salad
3. Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart
4. Roasted Peach and Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding
5. Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
6. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
7. Honey and Jam Crumb Cake
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apricot Bulgur Pilaf

Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta Bake

Now y’all, I don’t know about you, but when I’m servin’ up a nice big ol’ batch of homemade challah, I like to pair it with somethin’ special on the side. And this Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta Bake is the perfect partner for your braided bread!

The kale pesto brings a nice earthy flavor to contrast the fluffy sweetness of the challah, and the creamy sauce ties it all together.

Not to mention, it’s super easy to prepare. Simply add the uncooked pasta, kale, pesto, and other ingredients to a baking dish and give it a stir. Then, bake it in the oven until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that will have your guests asking for seconds, this Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta Bake is it!

Quick Recipe: Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta Bake

• Ingredients: Pasta, kale, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Blend kale, basil, garlic, and Parmesan to make pesto.
  3. Mix pesto with heavy cream.
  4. Combine pasta and creamy pesto, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Warm Coleslaw Salad

This Warm Coleslaw Salad is the perfect addition to any meal, and it pairs especially well with challah.

The slaw has a slightly sweet and tangy dressing that complements the richness of the bread, and the warm temperature of the salad contrasts nicely with the challah.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cabbage you might have in the fridge. Simply shred the cabbage, carrots, and onion and mix them with the dressing ingredients. Then, stir-fry the mixture over low heat until it’s wilted and tender.

Serve this Warm Coleslaw Salad alongside your challah and enjoy!

The best part about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can simply reheat it before serving. Additionally, it pairs well with other hearty dishes like roast beef or chicken.

Quick Recipe: Warm Coleslaw Salad

• Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Shred cabbage and carrots.
  2. Sauté in olive oil until slightly wilted.
  3. Add vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart

This Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart is the perfect way to use up any summer tomatoes you might have lying around. And even better, it makes a great side dish for challah!

For instance, the tomatoes are roasted to perfection, and the dough is nice and flaky, making it a great contrast to the fluffy challah. Plus, the tartness pairs nicely with the sweet challah.

The best part is that, just like our previous side dish, this tart it can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.

Yum! This Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart

• Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, puff pastry, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, basil
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Place puff pastry on a baking sheet.
  3. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Arrange tomatoes on pastry and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil.

Roasted Peach and Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding

Following up the roasted tomato tart, is another fantastic summer dish, Roasted Peach and Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding.

This dessert is the perfect way to use up any ripe peaches you might have, and it makes a great side dish for challah. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the rich dulce de leche, and the bread soaks up all of the delicious flavors.

Not to mention, preparation is relatively easy. Simply roast the peaches, mix them with the dulce de leche mixture, and pour it over the bread. After allowing the bread mixture to soak for a while, bake it in the oven until everything is warm and bubbly.

Trust me once you taste Roasted Peach and Dulce de Leche Bread you will know that it was worth you taking the time to prepare. Besides it’s a side dish and dessert all in one bite.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Peach and Dulce de Leche Bread Pudding

• Ingredients: Bread, peaches, dulce de leche, eggs, milk, cinnamon
• Average Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cube bread and arrange in a baking dish.
  3. Top with sliced peaches and dollops of dulce de leche.
  4. Mix eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then pour over bread.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries

Next up is a fall favorite, Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries. This side dish is perfect for when the weather starts to cool down and you’re looking for something warm and comforting.

Beyond that butternut squash is a versatile winter vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. One of my favorite ways to prepare it is as a roasted side dish. Let me just tell you right now, the sweetness of the squash pairs so well with the flavors of the pecans and cranberries, making this dish a wonderful complement to challah.

And even better, this dish is simple to make and can be easily tailored to your liking.

I typically use pecans and cranberries, but you could also add in other nuts or dried fruit. And, if you’re feeling particularly hungry, you could even top it with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries

• Ingredients: Butternut squash, pecans, cranberries, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Cube butternut squash and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 30 minutes, adding pecans and cranberries for the last 10 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

While some folks might say that buffalo chicken and grilled cheese don’t mix, we beg to differ. Just like pimento cheese makes the perfect complement to a big slice of watermelon, so too does this unlikely pairing create the perfect balance of flavors.

The savory grilled chicken is offset by the creamy cheese, while the hint of spice from the buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of kick. Plus, the crispy challah bread provides the perfect vessel for all those delicious ingredients.

So next time you’re looking for a unique side dish, give this Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese a try. You might just be surprised at how well it goes with your favorite challah recipe.

Quick Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, buffalo sauce, bread, cheddar cheese, butter
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Cook chicken and shred it.
  2. Mix with buffalo sauce.
  3. Assemble sandwiches with chicken mixture and cheddar.
  4. Grill in butter until golden brown.

Honey and Jam Crumb Cake

Yet another great option is a sweet and simple side dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch, Honey and Jam Crumb Cake. This cake is packed with all the flavors of your favorite challah toppings and is a sure crowd-pleaser.

By now you’ll be wondering what could possibly make this dish even better. And, the answer is simply that you can easily adjust this dish to your preference.

Hence, you can use any type of jam or preserves that you like, and you can also add in some fresh fruit for a little extra flavor. The possibilities are endless.

As for preparation, just mix together the crumb topping ingredients and spread them over the top of the cake mixture. Then, bake it in the oven until the crumbs are golden brown and the cake is cooked through.

Serve this Honey and Jam Crumb Cake warm with a dollop of yogurt or a cup of coffee alongside your challah, and you’ll be in breakfast heaven. Plus, leftovers (if there are any) make for a great snack or dessert.

Quick Recipe: Honey and Jam Crumb Cake

• Ingredients: Flour, sugar, butter, honey, jam, baking powder, salt
• Average Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, and butter to make crumbs.
  3. Reserve half for topping, and add honey, jam, baking powder, and salt to the other half.
  4. Press into a baking dish, top with reserved crumbs, and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apricot Bulgur Pilaf

For something a little different, try this Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apricot Bulgur Pilaf. This dish is perfect for when you’re looking for a hearty and filling side that is still healthy and packed with flavor.

Plus it couldn’t be easier to prepare. The acorn squash is roasted until it is tender, and then it is stuffed with a flavorful bulgur pilaf. The pilaf is made with apricots, onion, garlic, and a variety of spices. It is then topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley.

In addition, this dish can be served as is or you could also top it with a topping of choice. Either way, it makes for a delicious and nutritious side that is sure to please.

Quick Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apricot Bulgur Pilaf

• Ingredients: Acorn squash, bulgur, apricots, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley
• Average Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Halve acorn squash and remove seeds.
  3. Roast for 30-35 minutes.
  4. Cook bulgur and mix with chopped apricots, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stuff squash with bulgur mixture and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  6. Garnish with parsley.

FAQ

What is challah bread traditionally topped with?

Challah bread is traditionally topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or both. Sometimes the topping will also include onions or garlic.

What are some other ways to eat challah bread?

There are many other ways to eat challah bread beyond simply slicing it and eating it as is. Some other popular options include toasting it, using it for french toast or bread pudding, or even grilling it.

What is the best way to store leftover challah?

If you have leftover challah, it is best to store it in an airtight container or bag. It will typically stay fresh for up to four days.

What does challah mean in Hebrew?

Challah is a Hebrew word that means “loaf of bread.” It is often used to refer specifically to a specific type of Jewish egg bread.

Conclusion

What’s the bottom line?

No matter what you’re looking for in a side dish, there’s a delicious option out there for you. Whether you want something sweet or savory, healthy or indulgent, there’s a challah side dish that will suit your needs.

So next time you’re wondering what to serve with your challah bread, try one of these delicious options. You will thank me for it.