Italian Easter Bread Recipe

Name: Italian Easter Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pkg. dry yeast; 1/2 c. very warm water; 1 c. milk; 3/4 c. butter (1 1/2 sticks); 1 c. sugar; 1/2 tsp. salt; 6 eggs; 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 c. flour; 4 hard-cooked eggs, dyed in Easter colors; melted butter for glaze

Servings: persons

1
Sprinkle water over yeast.
2
Stir to dissolve.
3
Let stand until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, heat milk in a saucepan over low heat until lukewarm.
5
Beat together butter, sugar and salt in a large bowl until light and creamy.
6
Beat in eggs; beat well.
7
Add yeast mixture and warm milk.
8
Gradually add enough flour to make a soft dough.
9
Turn dough onto a floured surface.
10
Knead until smooth and elastic; about 10 minutes.
11
Use more flour if necessary to prevent dough from sticking.
12
Place dough in large greased bowl; turn to bring greased side up.
13
Cover and let rise in warm place, away from drafts for 1 hour or until double in bulk.
14
Punch dough down.
15
Turn out onto floured surface.
16
Knead lightly.
17
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces.
18
Braid 3 together.
19
Place on cookie sheet. Braid 3 more and place on top of the first braid.
20
Place a hard-cooked egg in center of top loaf.
21
Roll a piece of dough into a thin rope.
22
Place over egg like a cross.
23
Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
24
Beat an egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water and brush over bread before baking.
25
Bake at 350u00b0 for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden.
26
Brush with butter.

1631

kcal

Calories

Fat

208

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 pkg. dry yeast, 1/2 c. very warm water, 1 c. milk, 3/4 c. butter (1 1/2 sticks), and more.

Yes, Italian Easter Bread falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Italian Easter Bread

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions