20 Hungarian Easter Bread Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Hungarian Easter bread, also known as kalács or kalátsz, is a traditional sweet bread that is a staple at Easter celebrations in Hungary. This delicious bread is rich in history and is deeply rooted in Hungarian culture. The recipe for this bread has been passed down from generation to generation and is a beloved tradition in many Hungarian households. The process of making Hungarian Easter bread may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily create a beautiful and tasty loaf of bread that will impress your family and friends. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making this traditional bread and share some tips and tricks to help you perfect your recipe. So let's get started and bring a taste of Hungary to your Easter table!
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Table Salt, Paprika, Sour Cream
If you're looking for a refreshing side dish to go with your beer can chicken, look no further than Al's Famous Hungarian Cucumber Salad. This simple and tangy salad is made with cucumbers, onions, and a zesty dressing of vinegar, sugar, and paprika. It's the perfect complement to the rich and smoky flavors of the chicken.
If you want to add some traditional Hungarian flavors to your beer can chicken, try making Kalach, a braided Easter bread. This sweet and fluffy bread is made with flour, eggs, and milk, and is often flavored with lemon zest and vanilla extract. Serve slices of this bread alongside your chicken for a truly authentic Hungarian meal.
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Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Mushrooms, Flour, Paprika, Chicken
Soups are not just for winter, and this Hungarian Mushroom Soup is proof of that. This creamy and hearty soup is made with a blend of mushrooms, onions, and paprika, giving it a distinctly Hungarian flavor. Serve it as a starter before your beer can chicken or enjoy it as a main dish with some crusty bread.
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Hungarian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Onions, Butter, Caraway Seeds, Paprika, Flour, Stewing
No list of Hungarian recipes is complete without goulash. This comforting stew is made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and paprika, and is perfect for a cool autumn evening. For a twist on the classic, try adding some beer to the recipe, giving it a rich and complex flavor.
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Hungarian Potato Bread
Main Ingredients: Potato, Flour, Cumin Seeds, Sugar, Salt, Rapid Rise
Why settle for regular bread when you can make this delicious Hungarian Potato Bread to go with your beer can chicken? This bread is made with mashed potatoes, giving it a soft and fluffy texture, and is flavored with caraway seeds and paprika. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
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Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Sweet Red Pepper, Garlic, Bay
If you want to make a truly authentic Hungarian goulash, this is the recipe for you. Made with beef shanks, carrots, and potatoes, this goulash is slowly simmered in a rich broth flavored with paprika and red wine. The result is a fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Egg, Melted
This Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread is a showstopper that will impress any guests you have over for your beer can chicken dinner. The dough is made with butter, eggs, and sugar, and is braided before baking to create a beautiful and delicious loaf. Serve it warm with some honey butter for a truly indulgent experience.
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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Salt, Pepper, Sweet
For a traditional Hungarian meal, try making this Hungarian Chicken Paprikash. This dish features chicken thighs cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Serve it over egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Soul-Warming Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Mushrooms, White Onions, Dried Thyme
If you're a fan of mushroom soup, you have to try this Soul-Warming Hungarian Mushroom Soup. This recipe takes the classic soup to the next level with the addition of sour cream and fresh dill, giving it a creamy and herbaceous flavor. It's the perfect starter for your beer can chicken dinner.
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Kalács, the Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Fresh Yeast, Butter, Wheat
Kalács is a sweet braided bread that is popular in Hungary, especially around Easter time. This recipe uses rum-soaked raisins and lemon zest to add a fruity and citrusy flavor to the bread. Serve slices of this bread alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Hungarian meal.
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Hungarian Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Carrots, Garlic, Red Lentils, Tomato
For a healthy and hearty soup to go with your beer can chicken, try making this Hungarian Red Lentil Soup. This soup is packed with vegetables and red lentils, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The addition of smoked paprika gives it a smoky and spicy kick.
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Hungarian Wienerschnitzel
Main Ingredients: Veal, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs
If you're in the mood for crispy and flavorful chicken, try making this Hungarian Wienerschnitzel. This dish features thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in bread crumbs and seasonings, then fried until golden brown and crispy. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for some variety in texture.
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Hungarian Noodles
Main Ingredients: Chicken Bouillon Cubes, Boiling Water, Condensed Cream
For a simple yet delicious side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try making these Hungarian Noodles. These egg noodles are tossed in a buttery and garlicky sauce, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. For an extra kick of flavor, add some paprika to the dish.
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Pickled Hungarian Wax Peppers
Main Ingredients: Peppers, Garlic, Water, White Vinegar, Kosher Salt
For a spicy and tangy side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try making these Pickled Hungarian Wax Peppers. These pickled peppers are flavored with garlic, bay leaves, and mustard seeds, giving them a complex and delicious taste. Serve them alongside your chicken for a flavor explosion.
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Hungarian Beef Goulash
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic Clove
This Hungarian Beef Goulash is a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion. This stew is made with beef chuck, onions, and bell peppers, and is flavored with paprika and caraway seeds. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the savory and robust sauce.
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Galuska – Hungarian Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Flour, Large Eggs, Salt, Water, Oil
If you're looking for a simple and versatile side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try making Galuska – Hungarian Dumplings. These fluffy and satisfying dumplings are made with flour, eggs, and milk, and can be served with any main dish. For an extra burst of flavor, add some paprika to the dough.
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Hungarian Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Skim Milk, Hungarian Hot Paprika, Cloves, Chocolate
This Hungarian Hot Chocolate is the perfect warm and cozy drink to enjoy with your beer can chicken on a cold winter night. Made with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and cinnamon, this hot chocolate has a rich and indulgent flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Dill
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Mushrooms, Flour, Paprika, Vegetable
This Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Dill is a lighter and brighter version of the classic mushroom soup. The addition of fresh dill gives it a herbaceous and refreshing flavor, while the cream adds a creamy and decadent touch. Serve it as a starter before your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
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Chicken Paprika (Hungarian Chicken Paprikash)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell
This Chicken Paprika recipe is another take on the classic Hungarian Chicken Paprikash. This version uses chicken breasts instead of thighs, and is flavored with smoked paprika, sour cream, and tomatoes, giving it a smoky and creamy taste. Serve it with some rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Pieces, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions
For a truly authentic and traditional Hungarian meal, try making this Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings. This dish features chicken thighs cooked in a rich paprika sauce, and is served with fluffy dumplings that are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Al's Famous Hungarian Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Table Salt, Paprika, Sour Cream
This refreshing and tangy cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment to any Beer Can Chicken dish. It's a classic Hungarian recipe that has been passed down through generations and is loved for its simple yet delicious flavors. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fresh dill make this salad a must-try for any beer can chicken lover.
This traditional Hungarian Easter bread is a staple in many households during the holiday season. It's a sweet and fluffy bread that is often flavored with raisins or citrus zest. The bread is braided and decorated with colorful eggs before being baked to perfection. Serve this alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and festive meal.
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Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Mushrooms, Flour, Paprika, Chicken
This rich and creamy soup is a classic Hungarian dish that is perfect for cooler days. It's made with a variety of mushrooms, sour cream, and paprika, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it as a starter before your Beer Can Chicken or as a main dish with some crusty bread on the side.
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Hungarian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Onions, Butter, Caraway Seeds, Paprika, Flour, Stewing
No list of Hungarian dishes would be complete without goulash. This hearty and flavorful stew is made with tender beef, potatoes, and paprika. It's the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with a cold beer and a Beer Can Chicken hot off the grill. The best part? This recipe can easily be made in a slow cooker, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Hungarian Potato Bread
Main Ingredients: Potato, Flour, Cumin Seeds, Sugar, Salt, Rapid Rise
This soft and fluffy bread is a staple in many Hungarian households. It's made with mashed potatoes, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also use any leftovers to make delicious sandwiches the next day.
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Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Sweet Red Pepper, Garlic, Bay
If you're looking for a truly authentic Hungarian goulash recipe, look no further. This recipe is passed down from generation to generation and is a favorite in many households. It's made with tender beef, onions, and a variety of spices, including paprika, giving it a rich and robust flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Hungarian Braided Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Fresh Yeast, Milk, Sugar, Salt, Egg, Melted
This beautiful and delicious bread is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. It's made with a sweet and buttery dough that is braided and topped with a gooey glaze. The bread is often flavored with raisins or citrus zest, giving it a unique and irresistible flavor. Serve it as a dessert after your Beer Can Chicken for a perfect ending to your meal.
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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Salt, Pepper, Sweet
This classic Hungarian dish is loved for its rich and flavorful sauce made with paprika and sour cream. The chicken is simmered in the sauce until it becomes tender and juicy, making it the perfect pairing for your Beer Can Chicken. Serve it with some egg noodles or spaetzle for a complete meal.
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Soul-Warming Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Mushrooms, White Onions, Dried Thyme
This hearty and soul-warming soup is perfect for cooler days. It's made with a variety of mushrooms, vegetables, and spices, giving it a rich and delicious flavor. The addition of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy touch to this comforting dish. Serve it as a starter before your Beer Can Chicken or as a main dish with some crusty bread on the side.
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Kalács, the Hungarian Sweet Braided Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Fresh Yeast, Butter, Wheat
Kalács is a beautiful and delicious sweet bread that is often served during special occasions in Hungary. It's made with a rich and buttery dough that is braided and topped with a sweet glaze. The bread is often flavored with raisins or citrus zest, giving it a unique and irresistible flavor. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a truly special meal.
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Hungarian Red Lentil Soup
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Carrots, Garlic, Red Lentils, Tomato
This hearty and nutritious soup is a staple in many Hungarian households. It's made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, giving it a rich and delicious flavor. The addition of smoked paprika adds a unique and smoky touch to this comforting dish. Serve it as a starter before your Beer Can Chicken or as a main dish with some crusty bread on the side.
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Hungarian Wienerschnitzel
Main Ingredients: Veal, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs
This classic Austrian dish has become a favorite in Hungary as well. It's made with thin slices of pork or veal that are breaded and fried to perfection. The crispy and flavorful meat pairs perfectly with a cold beer and your Beer Can Chicken. Serve it with some lemon wedges and a side of potatoes for a complete meal.
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Hungarian Noodles
Main Ingredients: Chicken Bouillon Cubes, Boiling Water, Condensed Cream
If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish for your Beer Can Chicken, look no further. These Hungarian noodles are made with egg noodles, butter, and paprika, giving them a rich and flavorful taste. They're the perfect accompaniment to any meat dish and can be made in under 30 minutes.
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Pickled Hungarian Wax Peppers
Main Ingredients: Peppers, Garlic, Water, White Vinegar, Kosher Salt
If you like a little heat with your meals, these pickled Hungarian wax peppers are a must-try. They're tangy, spicy, and add a burst of flavor to any dish. Serve them alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and unique twist on a classic recipe.
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Hungarian Beef Goulash
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic Clove
This hearty and flavorful goulash is a staple in many Hungarian households. It's made with tender beef, vegetables, and a variety of spices, including paprika. The addition of red wine gives it a rich and robust flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Galuska – Hungarian Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Flour, Large Eggs, Salt, Water, Oil
These soft and fluffy dumplings are the perfect side dish for your Beer Can Chicken. They're made with a simple dough that is dropped into boiling water and cooked until they float to the surface. Serve them with your favorite sauce or gravy for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Hungarian Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Skim Milk, Hungarian Hot Paprika, Cloves, Chocolate
After enjoying a delicious meal of Beer Can Chicken, why not treat yourself to a hot cup of Hungarian hot chocolate? This rich and creamy drink is made with dark chocolate, milk, and a touch of cinnamon. It's the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
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Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Dill
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Mushrooms, Flour, Paprika, Vegetable
This light and refreshing soup is a great option for warmer days. It's made with a variety of mushrooms, fresh dill, and a touch of sour cream. The result is a creamy and flavorful soup that is perfect as a starter or a main dish. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Pieces, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions
If you're a fan of dumplings, you have to try this dish. This classic Hungarian chicken paprikash is served with homemade dumplings that are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. The chicken is simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with paprika and sour cream, making it the perfect pairing for your Beer Can Chicken.
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Hungarian Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Butter, Large Egg Yolks, Sugar, Milk, Instant
No meal is complete without a good loaf of bread. This simple and delicious Hungarian bread is the perfect accompaniment to any dish, especially Beer Can Chicken. It's crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious juices from your chicken.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
To make Hungarian Easter bread, you will need the following ingredients:
Flour: 4 cups
Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons
Sugar: 1/4 cup
Milk: 1 cup
Butter: 1/2 cup
Eggs: 2, beaten
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Raisins: 1/2 cup
Candied orange peel: 1/4 cup
Egg wash: 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk
Decorative sprinkles: for topping (optional)
Equipment:
To make Hungarian Easter bread, you will need the following equipment:
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer (optional)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Basting brush
Sharp knife
Cooling rack
Method
Step 1: Activate the yeast
To begin, you will need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, mix together the active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm milk (around 110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well and make a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, remaining milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. If you are using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and let it knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Add the raisins and candied orange peel
Once the dough is ready, add in the raisins and candied orange peel. Knead the dough for another 2-3 minutes until the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together. Place the braided dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Let it rise again
Cover the braided dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.
Step 7: Bake and decorate
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash and sprinkle with decorative sprinkles if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your Hungarian Easter Bread
After following these steps, your Hungarian Easter bread is ready to be enjoyed! This sweet and fluffy bread is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. You can also wrap it up and give it as a gift to your loved ones. We hope this recipe has inspired you to try making Hungarian Easter bread at home and add a touch of Hungarian tradition to your Easter celebration. Happy baking!