Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread

Total Time Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Yield 1 loaf (16 slices)
Test Kitchen Approved
My Grandma Nardi’s bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. —Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • Assorted food coloring
  • BREAD:
  • 2/3 cup warm 2% milk (70° to 80°)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • EGG WASH:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Directions

  1. Place 3 eggs in a single layer in a small saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by 1 in. Cover and quickly bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Let stand 15 minutes.
  2. Rinse eggs in cold water and place in ice water until completely cooled. Drain; dye hard-boiled eggs with food coloring, following package directions. Let stand until completely dry.
  3. In bread machine pan, place the first 7 bread ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tablespoons additional milk or flour if needed.
  4. When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Punch down dough; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Shape into a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Lightly coat dyed eggs with oil; arrange on braid, tucking them carefully between ropes. For egg wash, whisk egg with water. Brush over dough; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  5. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
  6. Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 157 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

My Grandma Nardi’s bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. —Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

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