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
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