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Italian Easter Bread With Dyed Eggs


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including rise time)
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Italian Easter Bread with Dyed Eggs is a beautiful and delicious tradition that combines the flavors of soft, slightly sweet bread with colorful, hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing renewal and resurrection. This braided bread is perfect for Easter celebrations, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and festive color. It’s a simple yet striking addition to your holiday table, and it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.


Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Active dry yeast
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Orange zest (optional)
  • Almond extract (optional)
  • Hard-boiled eggs (dyed)
  • Egg wash (egg yolk + water)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to 110°F, sprinkle yeast and sugar in the milk, and let it froth for 5-10 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and any optional flavorings (orange zest, almond extract). Mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, adding flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
  • Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into three pieces. Roll each into a rope and braid them together. Leave space in the center to place the dyed eggs.
  • Add the Dyed Eggs: Brush the dough with egg wash, then gently nestle the dyed eggs into the braid.
  • Let the Dough Rise Again: Let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the bread with remaining egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure dough rises fully for the best texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
  • Dye eggs in advance to save time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian