9 Sweet & Savory Easter Bread Recipes Perfect for Spring

What’s the best way to celebrate Easter with food? Easter bread, a traditional treat, symbolizes renewal and springtime, making it a delicious and meaningful addition to your holiday celebration. There are a vast array of recipes, ranging from sweet and fruit-filled to savory and herb-infused, offering something to please every palate. This collection of recipes will elevate your Easter feast, and I, a seasoned home baker with a decade of experience creating holiday treats, will guide you through each delectable option. Get ready to discover your new favorite Easter tradition—you’ll learn how to bake a variety of festive breads, master essential techniques, and find inspiration for presenting these beautiful loaves. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Easter breads!

Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)

What could be more authentic than a classic Italian Easter Bread? Pane di Pasqua, a slightly sweet, yeast-risen bread, often adorned with colorful sprinkles and dyed eggs, is a staple in Italian Easter celebrations. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Colored sprinkles for decoration
• Dyed Easter eggs for decoration

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf or braid. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before decorating with sprinkles and dyed eggs.

Tip: For a richer flavor, use milk that’s been gently warmed with a vanilla bean. This adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the entire bread.

Hot Cross Buns

Why are Hot Cross Buns a traditional Easter treat? Hot Cross Buns, marked with a cross symbolizing the crucifixion, are sweet, spiced buns traditionally eaten on Good Friday. This recipe offers a soft, flavorful bun that’s perfect for any spring occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins

For the Cross:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Stir in currants or raisins.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round bun.
7. Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. To make the cross, whisk together flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Place in a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe crosses onto each bun.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. To make the glaze, combine milk and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Brush over warm buns.

Key Takeaway: Proper kneading is crucial for achieving the light and fluffy texture characteristic of good Hot Cross Buns. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Greek Easter Bread (Tsoureki)

How does Tsoureki differ from other Easter breads? Tsoureki, a rich, aromatic Greek Easter bread, is distinguished by its unique flavor from mahlab (ground cherry pits) and mastic (a resin), creating a truly special and fragrant loaf.

Ingredients:

• 6-7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 packets (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon mahlab, ground
• 1 teaspoon mastic, ground (optional, but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, mahlab, mastic (if using), and orange zest.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5-2 hours.
6. Punch down dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
7. Braid the three ropes together and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover and let rise for another hour.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds (if using).
11. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Tip: If you can’t find mahlab or mastic, you can substitute with a combination of almond extract and anise extract, though the flavor will be slightly different. You can find a detailed discussion on finding suitable substitutes for these less common ingredients on culinary forums like Chowhound.

Braided Easter Egg Bread

What is an easy, visually stunning bread for Easter? This recipe, using purchased, refrigerated bread dough, offers a simple method for crafting beautiful, colorful Easter bread with minimal effort. This will also be a super fun activity for the whole family to get involved with.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (13.8 oz each) refrigerated bread dough (such as Pillsbury)
• 6 dyed Easter eggs
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Colored Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Unroll the bread dough and separate into strands.
3. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange three strands of dough side-by-side. Pinch the tops together and braid the strands.
4. Gently press the dyed eggs into the braid, spacing them evenly.
5. Repeat with the remaining dough and eggs, creating a second braid.
6. Brush the braids with beaten egg. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Key Takeaway: Using refrigerated dough significantly cuts down on preparation time, making this a perfect option for a last-minute Easter treat.

Easter Bunny Bread Rolls

Want an adorable and kid-friendly bread option? These Easter Bunny Bread Rolls, shaped like cute bunnies, are a fun and festive addition to any Easter meal, sure to delight children and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 recipe of your favorite bread dough (or use refrigerated bread dough)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Raisins or currants (for eyes)
• Sliced almonds (for ears, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your bread dough according to your chosen recipe.
2. Divide the dough into small portions. For each bunny, take one portion and divide it into three pieces: one large (for the body), one medium (for the head), and one very small (for the tail).
3. Roll the large piece into an oval shape for the body.
4. Roll the medium piece into a smaller oval for the head.
5. Roll the small piece into a tiny ball for the tail.
6. Attach the head and tail to the body, pinching the dough together.
7. Use scissors to snip two small cuts at the top of the head for ears. Insert sliced almonds (if using).
8. Press raisins or currants into the head for eyes.
9. Place the bunny rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Brush with beaten egg.
11. Preheat the oven according to your dough’s recipe (usually around 350-375°F / 175-190°C).
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tip: For a consistent shape and size, use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of dough.

Challah

Why is Challah a good option for Easter, even though it’s traditionally a Jewish bread? While Challah is a Jewish Sabbath and holiday bread, its rich, braided form and slightly sweet flavor make it a beautiful and delicious addition to any festive table, including Easter celebrations. Its symbolism of unity and wholeness resonates with the spirit of the holiday.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, oil, eggs, egg yolk, and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into three (or more, for a more intricate braid) equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
7. Braid the ropes together, pinching the ends to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Brush the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds (if using).
11. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Key Takeaway: The egg wash is key to achieving the signature glossy crust of Challah. Don’t skip this step! For detailed information on different braiding techniques, refer to resources like King Arthur Baking Company.

Paska (Ukrainian Easter Bread)

What is Paska and why is it special? Paska, a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, is a rich, slightly sweet bread often decorated with elaborate dough designs symbolizing spring and renewal. It’s a centerpiece of the Ukrainian Easter basket.

Ingredients:
* 8-9 cups all purpose flour
* 2 cups milk, warmed
* 1 cup sugar
* 4 packets active dry yeast (9 tsp)
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 6 eggs
* 2 egg yolks
* 1 tbsp vanilla extract
* 1 cup raisins (optional)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, egg yolks and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until a shaggy dough form.
4. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead until a soft dough form. Incorporate the raisins (if using)
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a tall, cylindrical loaf. You can use a special Paska mold or a tall, round baking pan.
7. Decorate the top with dough shapes (crosses, birds, flowers, etc.).
8. Place the Paska in greased Paska mould (or tall baking pan), Cover and let rise for 1 more hour.
9. Preheat oven to 350F (175C)
10. Brush the dough with beaten egg.
11. Bake 45-60 minutes, or until the Paska is golden brown.

Tip: The decorations are a key part of Paska. Use your creativity to make beautiful designs!

Savory Herb and Cheese Easter Bread

Looking for a savory option instead of sweet? This Savory Herb and Cheese Easter Bread is a delicious alternative to the traditional sweet loaves, perfect for those who prefer a less sugary option. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to a savory Easter brunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, chives, or parsley)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
4. Stir in cheese and herbs.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf or braid. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Brush the loaf with beaten egg.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Key Takeaway: The combination of herbs and cheese creates a flavorful and aromatic bread that complements a variety of dishes.

Gluten-Free Easter Bread

Need a gluten-free Easter bread option? This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying bread that caters to those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a festive Easter treat. It has a fluffy, light, and airy texture.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms. (The batter will be thicker than traditional bread dough).
4. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
5. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Different gluten-free flour blends behave differently. For best results, use a blend specifically designed for bread baking. You can learn more about different gluten-free flours and their properties from resources like the Gluten-Free Baking Academy.

FAQs About Easter Bread Recipes

What is the significance of Easter bread?

Easter bread often symbolizes rebirth and new life, reflecting the themes of the Easter season. Different cultures have various traditions, but the bread is generally a significant part of the Easter celebration.

Can I make Easter bread ahead of time?

Yes, most Easter breads can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I store leftover Easter bread?

Store leftover Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What can I do with leftover Easter bread?

Leftover Easter bread can be used to make French toast, bread pudding, or croutons.

Are there vegan Easter bread recipes?

Yes, there are many vegan Easter bread recipes available. You can substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives like soy milk, flax eggs, or vegan butter.

Conclusion

Easter bread, in its many forms, is a cherished tradition that adds sweetness and meaning to the holiday. From the classic Italian Pane di Pasqua to the savory Herb and Cheese Bread, and even gluten-free options, there’s a recipe to suit every taste and preference. Now that you’ve got these 9 delicious recipes, which one of these will you bake first to celebrate the joys of spring and Easter? Get ready to create a delicious and memorable centerpiece for your Easter table! Don’t forget to share your amazing baking in the comments below.