Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

When I think of Easter, I think of the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house, the warm, soft texture, and that slight sweetness that makes every bite feel like a hug from Grandma. Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread is a beloved family tradition, and it’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations, one delicious loaf at a time. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and braided with colorful Easter eggs in the center, making it both a beautiful centerpiece and a tasty treat.

Why You’ll Love Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

This bread isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of family and tradition. Here’s why this recipe will steal your heart:

• Perfectly Sweet: The dough is lightly sweet, which gives it that perfect balance of flavors—great for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a side to your holiday meal.
• Beautifully Decorative: The colorful Easter eggs in the middle of each loaf make it a stunning addition to any Easter table. It’s a true showstopper!
• Made with Love: This bread recipe has been passed down through the generations. Making it will fill your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic feeling of family.
• Soft and Fluffy: The texture of this bread is incredible—soft, fluffy, and just a little bit chewy, with the perfect crumb.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread—it’s simple, but full of flavor!

For the Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough, giving it structure and texture.
• Sugar: Just enough to make the bread slightly sweet without being overwhelming.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and starts the dough’s magic.
• Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• Eggs: Provide structure and contribute to the bread’s soft texture.
• Butter: Adds flavor and a touch of richness to the dough.

For Assembly

• Colored Easter Eggs: Traditionally, hard-boiled colored eggs are placed in the center of each bread, adding a fun and festive touch.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of egg and water, brushed on the bread before baking to create a beautiful golden finish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious, festive bread:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, warm the milk and water until they are just lukewarm (not hot). Add the warm liquid, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope (about 12-14 inches long). Braid the ropes together into a loaf, then place it on a greased baking sheet. Gently tuck one or two colored Easter eggs into the center of the braid, ensuring they are stable.

Step 4: Let It Rise Again

Cover the braided loaf with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, allowing the dough to become fluffy and light.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, brush the braided bread with the egg wash to give it a glossy, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooled, slice and enjoy the sweet, fluffy bread with your family. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a festive centerpiece for your Easter table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 220 kcal

(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes rising time)

How to Serve Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

This bread is perfect for so many occasions! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve it warm with a little butter or jam for a comforting breakfast.
• At Easter Brunch: Make this bread a centerpiece at your Easter brunch. It pairs wonderfully with ham, quiche, and fresh fruit.
• As a Snack: Slice and serve it as a snack with coffee or tea during the holiday season.
• As a Gift: Wrap it up in a pretty dish towel and give it as a gift to a loved one—who wouldn’t love a homemade loaf of sweet bread?

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• Customize the Braid: If you’re feeling fancy, try braiding the dough into a more intricate pattern, or make smaller individual loaves.
• Use Other Colors: While traditional Easter bread uses colored eggs, you can experiment with different colors for a fun twist. Just be sure to use hard-boiled eggs.
• Flavor Variations: For added flavor, you can add lemon zest or vanilla extract to the dough.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of egg for the Easter bread?

A1: You can use any hard-boiled eggs, but if you’re looking for a more natural look, you can use white eggs and dye them with food coloring.

Q2: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can make the bread the day before, and it will keep well covered at room temperature. Just reheat it before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze this bread?

A3: Absolutely! After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: Can I make this bread without eggs?

A4: You can try using a flax egg or another egg substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture. The eggs help create the soft, fluffy texture that makes this bread so special.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It should last about 2-3 days at room temperature.

Q6: Can I add other fillings to the bread?

A6: Yes! You can add dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even nuts to the dough before braiding for extra flavor.

Q7: Is there a dairy-free version of this bread?

A7: Yes! You can replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative, like almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Q8: Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

A8: Absolutely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and braid them into mini loaves. Bake them for a slightly shorter time—around 20 minutes.

Q9: Can I use whole wheat flour?

A9: Yes! You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though the texture might be a bit denser.

Q10: Can I use regular food coloring instead of dyeing the eggs?

A10: Yes, you can use food coloring to dye the eggs before placing them in the bread, but make sure to use food-safe dye.

Conclusion

Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a piece of family history, and every bite is filled with tradition and love. The sweet, soft dough paired with the colorful Easter eggs makes it a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday meal. Try it out this Easter, and I guarantee it will quickly become a cherished tradition in your family as well!

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