20+ Lidia's Italian Easter Bread Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
If you're looking for a delicious and traditional treat to make for your Easter celebration, look no further than Lidia's Italian Easter Bread recipe. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Italian households during this special holiday. Not only is this bread a symbol of the Easter season, but it is also a delicious and satisfying treat that the whole family will love. So let's dive into the recipe and discover the secrets behind making the perfect Italian Easter Bread.
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour
Experience the traditional taste of Italy with this classic Easter bread recipe. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of love, this bread is a staple in every Italian household during the Easter season. The perfect combination of sweet and savory, it's a must-try for any food lover.
If you're looking for a quick and easy version of this traditional bread, look no further. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a foolproof method to create a delicious and fluffy Easter bread. It's the perfect option for those short on time, but still wanting to experience the taste of Italy.
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Italian Easter Bread (Casatiello)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Honey, All Purpose Flour
For a more rustic and hearty version of this Easter bread, try making Casatiello. This traditional Southern Italian recipe includes ingredients like salami, cheese, and eggs, making it a savory and filling option. Perfect for a family gathering or as a snack during the Easter festivities.
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Traditional Sweet Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
This sweet Easter bread is a staple in many Italian-American households. Made with anise seeds, candied fruit, and almonds, it's a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. The perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, it's a must-try for any sweet tooth.
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Chocolate Marbled Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Brown Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Unsalted
If you're a chocolate lover, this bread is for you. This recipe combines the traditional Italian Easter bread with a chocolate twist, creating a marbled effect that is both beautiful and delicious. It's the perfect addition to any Easter brunch or as a dessert option.
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Pane Di Pasqua - Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Whole Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Large Eggs
Pane di Pasqua, or Easter bread, is a staple in Italian cuisine. It's a sweet and soft bread that is often decorated with colored eggs, symbolizing new life and rebirth. This recipe is a traditional version and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
This version of Italian Easter bread is made with a rich dough and filled with a delicious mixture of cheese and meats. The end result is a savory and hearty bread that is perfect for any Easter celebration. It's a great option for those looking for a more filling bread.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Dry Yeast, Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Salt
This version of Italian Easter bread is a simple and delicious option for those looking for a classic recipe. Made with ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs, it's a soft and fluffy bread that is perfect for soaking up any Easter dinner leftovers. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Pane di Pasqua (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Butter, Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Salt, All
This traditional recipe for Pane di Pasqua is a must-try for any bread lover. It's a soft and sweet bread that is perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With ingredients like orange zest and anise seeds, it's a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Yeast, Salt, Milk
This version of Italian Easter bread is a slightly different take on the traditional recipe. It includes ingredients like honey and almonds, creating a sweeter and nuttier flavor. The end result is a delicious and unique bread that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Flour, Rapid Rise Yeast, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Milk
If you're looking for a healthier version of this traditional bread, try this recipe. Made with whole wheat flour and honey, it's a lighter option that still maintains the classic flavors of Italian Easter bread. It's a great option for those with dietary restrictions or for those trying to watch their waistline.
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Italian Easter Bread with Colored Eggs
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Water, Instant Yeast
One of the most iconic images of Italian Easter bread is the colorful eggs nestled in the dough. This recipe not only includes the traditional bread, but also teaches you how to dye and place the eggs in the bread for a beautiful and festive presentation. It's a great option for impressing your guests.
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Italian Easter Bread (Crescia di Pasqua)
Main Ingredients: Lukewarm Water, Honey, Dry Active Yeast, All Purpose
Crescia di Pasqua is a traditional Easter bread from the central region of Italy. It's made with pecorino cheese, creating a savory and flavorful bread that is perfect for any Easter celebration. It's a great option for those looking for a unique and authentic Italian recipe.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: Bread Dough, Eggs, Boiling Water, Vinegar, Sprinkles
This version of Italian Easter bread is a savory twist on the traditional recipe. It includes ingredients like prosciutto and Parmesan cheese, creating a delicious and flavorful bread that is perfect for any meat lover. It's a great option for a main course or as a side dish.
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Pane di Pasqua | Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Large
This recipe not only includes the traditional Easter bread, but also teaches you how to make a delicious and creamy cheese spread to go with it. The combination of the soft and sweet bread with the tangy and rich cheese spread is a match made in heaven. It's a great option for a unique and flavorful Easter brunch.
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Italian Easter Bread- Pane di pasqua
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Lemon, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Whole
This version of Italian Easter bread is a bit different, using lemon and orange zest to create a citrusy and bright flavor. It's a great option for those looking for a lighter and more refreshing bread, perfect for the spring season. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness.
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Crescia al Formaggio aka Italian Easter Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Milk, Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Parmigiano Reggiano
Crescia al Formaggio is another traditional Easter bread from central Italy. It's made with a variety of cheeses, creating a savory and rich bread that is perfect for any cheese lover. This recipe also includes instructions for shaping the bread into a beautiful and intricate design, making it a great option for impressing your guests.
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Pizza Chiena, or Pizza Gain (Italian Easter Bread)
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Sugar
This Easter bread is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional recipe. It's made with pizza dough, creating a savory and hearty bread that is perfect for any pizza lover. The addition of meats and cheeses make it a filling and flavorful option for any Easter celebration.
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Italian Easter Bread (Anise Flavored)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Salt, Rapid Rise Yeast
This version of Italian Easter bread is a bit different, using anise extract for a stronger and more pronounced anise flavor. It's a great option for those who love the taste of anise, or for those looking for a more authentic Italian flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness.
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Individual Italian Easter Bread Rings...Easy Step by...
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Butter, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Sea Salt
If you're looking for a fun and creative way to serve Italian Easter bread, try making individual bread rings. This recipe includes step-by-step instructions on how to shape the bread into individual servings, making it a great option for a party or gathering. It's a fun and unique twist on the classic bread.
Making the Dough
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the dough. This recipe calls for flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and anise extract. It's important to use high-quality ingredients for the best results, so don't skimp on the flour or eggs. Flour is the base of the dough and provides structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Salt helps to balance out the flavors, and yeast is what makes the dough rise. Milk adds moisture and richness, while eggs provide structure and richness. Butter adds a delicious buttery flavor, and anise extract is the key ingredient that gives this bread its signature flavor.
Mixing and Kneading
Once you have all your ingredients, it's time to mix and knead the dough. Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, eggs, butter, and anise extract. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture.
Shaping and Rising
Creating the Braided Design
Once the dough is kneaded, it's time to shape it into the traditional braided design. Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll each piece into a long rope. Then, braid the ropes together, tucking the ends under to create a circular shape. This bread is often topped with colored eggs, which symbolize new life and rebirth during the Easter season. To add the eggs, gently press them into the dough, making sure they are secure.
Letting the Dough Rise
After shaping the dough, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours. The dough should double in size, and this is an important step in developing the flavor and texture of the bread. If you live in a colder climate, you can place the dough in a slightly warmed oven to help it rise.
Baking and Serving
Baking the Bread
Once the dough has risen, it's time to bake the bread. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown on the outside. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating that it is fully cooked.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the bread is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This Italian Easter Bread is best enjoyed warm, but can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Serve it as a sweet breakfast treat or as a delicious accompaniment to your Easter dinner.
In Conclusion
This Italian Easter Bread recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and bring a taste of Italy into your home. The process may seem daunting, but with a little practice, you'll be able to create a delicious and beautiful loaf that your family and friends will love. So why not give this recipe a try and add a new tradition to your Easter celebration? Your taste buds will thank you.
Pizza Chiena, or Pizza Gain (Italian Easter Bread)