There’s something magical about the way certain recipes get passed down from generation to generation, and Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread is one of those recipes that holds a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma, that has a slight sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture, and, of course, it’s decorated with bright, colorful eggs that make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s perfect for Easter, but honestly, it’s so good, it’s worth making anytime you want to treat yourself (or your loved ones).
Why You’ll Love Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
This bread is not just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
You can enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat, a dessert, or even a snack throughout the day. The beauty of this bread is that it fits seamlessly into any meal.
Budget-Friendly:
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s easy on the wallet while still delivering incredible flavor and texture.
Quick and Easy:
While it does take a bit of time to rise and bake, the steps are simple, making it a rewarding recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Customizable:
You can tweak the sweetness and toppings to suit your taste. Want to add a glaze? Go for it! Prefer a slightly less sweet version? You’ve got it.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
Here’s the magic of this bread: It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is nothing short of heavenly. Let’s break it down:
Yeast:
This is what makes the bread soft and fluffy. You’ll need active dry yeast, which will help your dough rise beautifully.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is what gives the bread structure. It’s the base that holds everything together.
Sugar:
A bit of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt:
Salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Eggs:
Eggs add richness and contribute to the bread’s tender texture. Plus, they help the dough rise.
Butter:
Rich, creamy butter adds flavor and keeps the bread soft and moist.
Milk:
Warm milk helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Anise Extract:
This is the secret ingredient that gives the bread a distinct, aromatic flavor. It’s not overpowering, but it’s what makes this bread so unique.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread bakes evenly and turns out golden brown.
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add in the butter, eggs, anise extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, then knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.
Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, then form each rope into a circle, tucking the ends underneath. Place colorful Easter eggs in the center of each circle.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the dough on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through.
Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a bit. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 Calories per serving: 210
(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
(Note: These times can vary based on your kitchen equipment and environmental factors like humidity.)
How to Serve Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, serve it alongside some butter, jam, or even a light drizzle of honey. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack during the day.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle the top of the bread with colorful sprinkles or a simple glaze after baking.
- To make this bread a bit more festive, you can add candied fruits or raisins to the dough.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be expired and won’t make the dough rise.
FAQ’s
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough the day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Can I freeze the bread?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t like anise extract?
You can leave it out or substitute it with a little vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give the bread a slightly chewier texture, but it works great!
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can try using a flax egg or another egg substitute.
How do I know if the bread is fully cooked?
Tap the bottom of the bread—it should sound hollow. If it doesn’t, bake it for a few more minutes.
What can I serve with this bread?
It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a side of eggs, or a light salad for brunch.
Can I add more flavoring to the bread?
Sure! Feel free to experiment with citrus zest, cinnamon, or even a handful of nuts or dried fruit.
How long does the bread last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I make this bread into smaller rolls instead of one large loaf?
Yes! You can divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into rolls for individual servings.
Conclusion
Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings comfort, joy, and a little bit of sweetness to any occasion. With its soft, pillowy texture and warm, nostalgic flavors, it’s the perfect treat for Easter—or any time you need a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let this bread fill your kitchen with love and delicious smells. Enjoy!
Print
Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Category: Bread, Easter Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A family tradition, Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread is a sweet, soft, and slightly sweetened bread topped with colorful sprinkles, making it perfect for Easter celebrations. The braided dough is soft and fragrant, with a subtle orange flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the bread: Punch the dough down and divide it into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and braid them together. Form the braid into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.
- Second rise: Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Prepare the egg wash: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the braided bread and sprinkle with colored sprinkles.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely before serving.
Notes
This bread can be enjoyed plain or sliced. It’s perfect for serving with butter or used to make sweet sandwiches. This recipe can be adapted to make smaller individual loaves as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg