20 Beautiful Round Challahs You Need To Make For Rosh Hashanah

Back to school season doesn’t get us overly excited for fall, but Rosh Hashanah season sure does!

The first thing we usually focus on for Rosh Hashanah are freeze-ahead recipes and challah baking! We’ve published a recipe roundup with 25+ freeze-ahead dishes. And today we’re getting to those beautiful round challahs!

There are so many different recipes out there, so we’ve narrowed it down to the recipes below. From sweet and classic flavors, to fancy and more simple shapes. We’ve got something for everyone!

For those of you who have questions or need tips about challah baking, see our interview with Naomi TGIS here or our entire step-by-step guide to making challah.

For more articles on Challah see here!

Happy baking!

1. Dress Up Your Yom Tov Table with Challah Napkin Rings by Sina Mizrahi

I believe in elevating the Yom Tov table in small but impactful ways, like these challah napkin rings, which add a touch of homemade chic to your tablescape. Thankfully, they’re simple to make—all you need is to dedicate part of your challah dough for these showstoppers. I used a combination of whole wheat and regular wheat, but you can use whichever challah type your family prefers. As for the braiding, both fishtail and traditional styles are beautiful—pick one or alternate. Let’s get started!

2. How to Make Apple-Shaped Challah Place Cards by Sina Mizrahi

These charming apple-shaped challah rolls bring a playful, meaningful twist to your Rosh Hashanah table, beautifully symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. Golden and soft, with a delicate hint of honey, each roll is shaped to resemble a crisp apple—complete with a “stem” and paper leaf for a delightful presentation.

3. Rosh Hashanah Seder Challah by Challah Mummy

A beautiful way to serve your challah and simanim on Rosh Hashanah.

4. Family-Favorite Challah by Naomi Elberg

We love this challah in my house. Adapted from Kim Kushner.

5. Rimon (Pomegranate) Challah by Bat-El Gershowitz

Making these elegant pomegranate challah rolls is something I look forward to all year long. On Rosh Hashanah, my kids and my guests always feel special having their own individual pomegranate challah on their plate; served with a stick of honey, it is just so so special. I truly hope you will make these for your loved ones too.

6. Shabbos Challah by Efrat Libfroind

If it’s a showstopper of a challah you seek, look no further. This challah is as delicious as it is impressive.

7. Round Challah by Estee Kafra

Estee Kafra’s delicious round challah – perfect for Rosh hashana. The most popular recipe from Kosher Scoop three years running!

8. Wreath Challah with Rose, Pistachio and Cardamom by Rochie Pinson

This makes the most gorgeous centerpiece for your Yom Tov table, or if you’re eating out, the best hostess gift I can think of. It’s a lot easier to make than it looks, and no special talents are needed to make it beautiful.

9. Challah Dip Rolls by Tamar Ansh

10. Four MORE Impressive Round Challahs by Shortcuts by Family Table

Rosh Hashanah is upon us again and we’re always looking for more round challah inspiration (especially after this Shortcuts of amazing round challah ideas)—Braid, shape or snip— your round challahs will be the envy of everyone at the table.

11. Perfect Whole-Wheat Challah by Chumi Borenstein

This is the perfect whole-wheat challah recipe that’s not too healthy, neither heavy nor grainy, and most importantly – FREEZABLE, duh! (I adapted my regular amazing challah recipe to create this perfect one!) If you have any questions about the recipe, please comment! My kids loved it, which is a score in my books because it’s brown. I really hope you enjoy it too.Watch Chumi and Naomi make this delicious challah here!

12. 4 Ways to Impress With Your Round Challah Skills by Shortcuts by Family Table

Whether you do it to symbolize eternal life or because it’s extra beautiful and delicious, it’s Round Challah Season! Try your hand at these awesome braids to make your Rosh Hashanah table showstopping! Wow friends and family with a three strand, six strand, or even 8 strand, and of course the constant favorite- the pull apart!

13. How to Make the Prettiest Round Flower Challah for Rosh Hashanah by Estelle Chait

This stunning loaf is braided and shaped to resemble a flower, with a double round braid to give a more delicate shape.

14. How to Make an Apple Leaf Challah for Rosh Hashanah by Estelle Chait

Shaped like a delicate crown of leaves, each leaf on this challah is hand-formed for a look that’s both rustic and elegant.

15. How to Make a Braided Apple-Filled Challah for Rosh Hashanah by Estelle Chait

This creative “switch” braid reveals swirls of tender, spiced apple filling in every slice, making it the perfect centerpiece for Rosh Hashanah.

16. Challah Ring with Onion-Meat Dip by Michal Frischman

I don’t make challah every week, but when I do, I always, and I mean always, make Esty Wolbe’s recipe. It’s never steered me wrong! Word to the wise: If you’re planning on making garlic confit sometime before Yom Tov, make it before this, and use some leftover garlic oil in place of regular oil in the recipe.

17. Pomegranate Streusel for Challah by Rachel Berger

Whether it’s a festive gathering, a holiday celebration, or a special family dinner, incorporating toppings to your challah that reflect the occasion adds a touch of personalization and elevates the experience for everyone involved.

This streusel featuring fresh pomegranate as well as pomegranate powder is perfectly on theme for Rosh Hashanah.

18. This Simanim-Stuffed Challah By Mandylicious Will Wow Your Guests! by Mandy Silverman

Personally, I am OBSESSED with fitting as many of the simanim into my Rosh Hashanah meal as possible. This pull-apart challah allows you to get tons of simanim onto your table before the main meal even starts!

19. Make These Adorable Mini Challah Apples and Honey Jars with Mandylicious! by Mandy Silverman

Apples and honey may be PEAK Rosh Hashanah, but Apple and Honey shaped challahs? That is the peak of the peak! Today I’m showing you how to make the cutest mini apple-shaped challah and accompanying challah-covered functional honey jar. These stunning and adorable challahs will get your new year off to the sweetest start!

20. Rimon Challah Board by Rochie Pinson

Creating this magnificent, rimon-shaped challah doesn’t take any advanced braiding skills. It’s all made using twists and turbans. The “wow” factor on your Rosh Hashanah table will set a fabulous tone for the holiday (and the rest of the year!) For the full-sized rimon pictured here, I used almost an entire batch of dough, made with five pounds of flour. 

Originally published September 2023. Updated and improved August 2026.

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Rachel Kor

262 articles • 19 recipes

The Rachel Kor blog offers delicious recipes, classic yet stylish holiday table settings, impressive centerpieces, and chic gift ideas.

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