What To Serve With Challah? 16 BEST Side Dishes

If there's one thing I love about setting a table, it's the opportunity to experiment with new combinations of flavors and textures.

One of my favorites to play around with is challah, a beautifully braided Jewish bread known for its slightly sweet flavor and soft, fluffy texture.

Here are 16 fantastic side dishes that you can eat with challah bread that will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with challah are hummus, shakshuka, shirazi salad, apple butter, falafel, tzatziki sauce, blueberry jam, grilled red snapper, roasted eggplant dip, lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves, olive tapenade, feta cheese and honey, chicken liver pate, fig preserves, and Moroccan carrot salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Hummus

One of the simplest and most classic pairings for challah is hummus. This Middle Eastern dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic adds a creamy, slightly nutty and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of challah. You can also dress up your hummus with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs for an extra kick of flavor.

2. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices. The hearty, savory flavors pair incredibly well with the sweetness of challah. Tear off a piece of challah and use it to scoop up the sauce and egg - it's a perfect brunch dish that will leave you satisfied.

3. Shirazi Salad

This Persian salad is a combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mint leaves, all finely chopped and dressed with lime juice and olive oil. It's a light, refreshing dish that provides a perfect contrast to the rich, sweet flavor of challah. The lime juice adds a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the bread, and the crunch from the vegetables adds an enjoyable textural contrast.

4. Apple Butter

Challah's slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the concentrated apple goodness of apple butter. This rich, deeply flavored spread adds a tangy-sweet burst of flavor to each bite. Plus, the warm, spiced notes of the apple butter are especially comforting on a cool day.

5. Falafel

Middle Eastern cuisine has a friend in challah, and that's falafel. These crispy, fried balls of chickpeas are packed with spices and herbs. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of the falafel offer a satisfying contrast to the soft, fluffy challah.

6. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki, a Greek sauce made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs, adds a light, refreshing, and tangy contrast to the slightly sweet challah Bread. It's a cool, creamy accompaniment that adds an extra dimension to the meal.

7. Blueberry Jam

For those with a sweet tooth, blueberry jam can be a delightful addition. The tart-sweet flavors of the blueberries enhance the inherent sweetness of the challah. Spread it generously on a slice and enjoy a taste that reminds you of a warm summer day.

8. Grilled Red Snapper

The mild, slightly sweet flavor of challah is a perfect match for the robust flavors of grilled red snapper. The smoky flavors of the grill and the firm texture of the fish provide a nice contrast to the soft, fluffy challah.

9. Roasted Eggplant Dip

Baba Ganoush, a roasted eggplant dip, is another excellent side for challah. The smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant paired with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice creates a creamy dip that goes well with the sweetness of the bread.

10. Red Lentil Soup

A hearty lentil soup pairs wonderfully with challah. The bread is excellent for soaking up the flavorful broth. Plus, the slight sweetness of challah complements the earthiness of the lentils. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

11. Stuffed Grape Leaves

Stuffed grape leaves, or Dolma, is a Mediterranean dish that’s filled with rice, pine nuts, and various spices. These small bites, tangy and savory, provide a contrasting flavor that goes well with the sweetness of challah.

12. Olive Tapenade

A chunky olive tapenade brings a salty, briny element that pairs wonderfully with challah Bread. The mixture of olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil is bold and flavorful, making it a great counterpoint to the mild, slightly sweet challah.

13. Feta Cheese and Honey

A simple combination of creamy feta cheese drizzled with sweet honey makes a delicious pairing with challah. The salty tanginess of feta contrasts nicely with the honey's sweetness, which echoes the slight sweetness of challah.

14. Chicken Liver Pate

For a more traditional Jewish pairing, consider chicken liver pâté. This rich, savory spread is creamy and full-flavored, offering a satisfying contrast to the light sweetness of challah Bread.

15. Fig Preserves

For another sweet pairing, consider fig preserves. The rich, deep sweetness of figs is enhanced with a touch of honey and lemon in this preserve, making it a wonderful spread for a slice of challah.

16. Moroccan Carrot Salad

A Moroccan carrot salad brings together sweet and spicy flavors in a refreshing way. This salad features tender carrots, fresh herbs, and a hint of harissa for a bit of heat. It’s a lively and vibrant side that goes beautifully with the sweetness of challah.

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