What to Serve With Challah Bread: 15 Best Side Dishes

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Challah bread, with its soft, slightly sweet texture, pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can elevate any meal. Try creamy hummus or smoky baba ganoush for a Middle Eastern flair. Classic matzo ball soup offers comforting flavors, while shakshuka provides a spicy, saucy delight. Chicken salad, whether sweet with grapes or spicy with curry, is a delightful option. Additionally, roasted vegetables, honey butter, and garlic herb cheese spread add diverse and delicious flavors. Each of these sides complements challah beautifully, creating a balanced and memorable culinary experience. Discover more delightful pairings ahead.

Hummus

chickpea based dip and spread

Hummus, a creamy and flavorful Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, pairs exceptionally well with challah bread.

The rich hummus flavors complement challah's slightly sweet taste, creating a delightful combination.

For serving suggestions, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil.

This simple yet satisfying pairing is sure to please any palate.

Matzo Ball Soup

comforting jewish soup tradition

How can one overlook the classic pairing of matzo ball soup with challah bread, a combination that brings comfort and tradition to the table?

This duo is a cornerstone of Jewish cuisine, offering a warm and satisfying experience.

The traditional recipe of matzo ball soup, with its flavorful broth and tender matzo balls, perfectly complements the soft, slightly sweet challah bread.

Shakshuka

middle eastern egg dish

Shakshuka is a vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. It pairs exquisitely with the soft, slightly sweet challah bread.

The rich tomato base, combined with the gentle spice, enhances the experience of poaching eggs perfectly. Challah's texture absorbs the sauce, creating a delightful balance that is both comforting and satisfying for any meal.

Chicken Salad

fresh vegetables and chicken

A well-prepared chicken salad, with its blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing, offers an invigorating and satisfying complement to the soft, slightly sweet challah bread.

Imagine the delightful addition of a grape salad for a burst of sweetness or a curry chicken twist for a hint of spice.

This combination balances flavors and textures, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Baba Ganoush

eggplant dip with tahini

Baba Ganoush, with its creamy texture and rich, smoky flavor, serves as a delightful accompaniment to challah bread, enhancing the dining experience with Middle Eastern flair.

Grilling tips for the eggplant include charring it over an open flame for that signature smokiness.

This dish is a perfect vegan alternative, made from blended eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for an invigorating dip.

Tzatziki

creamy greek cucumber sauce

Complementing the rich, smoky flavors of baba ganoush, tzatziki brings an invigorating, tangy contrast to challah bread with its blend of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.

This creamy yogurt dip, a staple in Greek cuisine, enhances the bread's sweetness and texture.

The invigorating mix of cool cucumber and zesty garlic makes tzatziki a delightful accompaniment, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Beet Salad

fresh and tangy beets

Earthy and vibrant, beet salad pairs beautifully with challah bread, offering an invigorating burst of color and flavor.

Rich in beet nutrition, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy.

Salad variations abound, from adding goat cheese and walnuts to incorporating citrus vinaigrette.

Each version enhances the natural sweetness of beets, creating a delightful side dish that complements the soft, slightly sweet challah.

Smoked Salmon

delicate salmon flavor profile

Following the vibrant flavors of beet salad, smoked salmon offers a savory and luxurious option that pairs exquisitely with challah bread. The rich texture and smoky taste of smoked salmon, reminiscent of bagels lox, elevate any meal.

For a unique twist, consider smoked trout, which also complements challah beautifully. These choices bring a delightful, gourmet touch to your table.

Eggplant Caponata

italian sweet and sour

Eggplant caponata, with its rich medley of sweet and tangy flavors, serves as an excellent side dish for challah bread. This vegetarian appetizer, rooted in Italian origins, combines eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers for a delightful taste experience.

The harmonious blend of ingredients complements the soft, slightly sweet challah, making it a perfect pairing for any meal or gathering.

Israeli Salad

fresh diced vegetables mix

Israeli salad is an invigorating mix of finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley. It provides a crisp and vibrant contrast to the soft texture of challah bread. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, while a simple lemon dressing ties everything together beautifully.

This rejuvenating dish is a delightful companion, enhancing the overall dining experience with its zesty and aromatic profile.

Lentil Soup

comforting bowl of warmth

Complementing the invigorating Israeli salad, a hearty bowl of lentil soup pairs wonderfully with the rich and slightly sweet flavor of challah bread.

This comfort food, packed with vegan protein, offers a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.

The warmth and earthiness of the lentil soup harmonize beautifully with the soft, golden crust of challah, creating a balanced and delightful dining experience.

Roasted Vegetables

delicious oven baked vegetable medley

A medley of roasted vegetables serves as an excellent side dish that enhances the rich flavors of challah bread.

Seasonal flavors like sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, combined with herb seasoning such as rosemary and thyme, create a delightful balance.

The earthy tones and crisp textures of the vegetables complement the soft, slightly sweet challah, making each bite a harmonious experience.

Honey Butter

delicious sweet and savory

To elevate the experience of enjoying challah bread, honey butter offers a sumptuous spread that perfectly pairs with its tender crumb and subtle sweetness. This delightful flavor pairing is easy to prepare: simply mix softened butter with honey until smooth.

For added flair, consider a pinch of sea salt or a touch of cinnamon. This simple yet decadent spread enhances every bite.

Pickled Vegetables

delicious crunchy tangy treats

Pickled vegetables bring a vibrant and tangy contrast to the rich, slightly sweet flavor profile of challah bread.

The pickling techniques used can vary, allowing for a range of exciting flavor combinations.

From crisp cucumbers to spicy radishes, pickled vegetables add a delightful zest that complements the soft texture and subtle sweetness of the bread, creating a balanced and enjoyable culinary experience.

Garlic Herb Cheese Spread

savory cheese with herbs

Enhancing the flavor of challah bread, garlic herb cheese spread offers a creamy and savory complement that elevates the dining experience. Combining various herb combinations, such as rosemary and thyme, with different cheese varieties like cream cheese or goat cheese, this spread provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of challah.

It's a simple yet sophisticated addition that enhances every bite.