Ready to add some excitement to your Easter table? Look no further than these two irresistible recipes for Portuguese Easter bread with egg! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to please. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your mixing bowls, and let’s get started!
Recipe 1: Sweet and Simple Portuguese Easter Bread with Egg
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, dyed
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, warm milk, eggs, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and sticky.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl with butter and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area.
- Punch the dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and braid three together. Shape into a circle and tuck in a hard-boiled egg. Repeat with the remaining dough and eggs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the breads on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 421
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 67g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 353mg
Potassium: 143mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large baking sheet
- Basting brush
- Rolling pin
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm or at room temperature with butter or jam. Goes great with a cup of coffee or tea!
Variations:
Try adding raisins, currants, or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor. You can also use different colored eggs for a festive touch!
Substitutions:
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the additional salt in the recipe. You can also use almond or soy milk instead of cow’s milk if you have a dairy allergy.
Storage:
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Tips:
Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired for the best rise. Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which makes the bread chewy and delicious. Don’t overbake the bread, or it will become dry and tough.
FAQs:
What is Portuguese Easter bread?
Portuguese Easter bread is a sweet, enriched bread that is typically braided and decorated with hard-boiled eggs. It is a traditional Easter food in Portugal and is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
Why do you put eggs in Portuguese Easter bread?
The eggs in Portuguese Easter bread symbolize new life and rebirth, which are themes of the Easter holiday. The eggs are dyed different colors to represent the diversity of life and the joy of spring.
Recipe 2: Savory and Spicy Portuguese Easter Bread with Egg
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, dyed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, warm milk, eggs, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and sticky.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the spice mixture to the dough and knead until well combined.
- Grease a large bowl with butter and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area.
- Punch the dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and braid three together. Shape into a circle and tuck in a hard-boiled egg. Repeat with the remaining dough and eggs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the breads on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Calories per serving: 421
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 67g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 353mg
Potassium: 143mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large baking sheet
- Basting brush
- Rolling pin
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm or at room temperature with cheese or cold cuts. Goes great with a glass of red wine!
Variations:
Try adding different spices like turmeric or ginger for a unique flavor. You can also use different types of cheese or meats to complement the bread.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but omit the additional salt in the recipe. You can also use almond or soy milk instead of cow’s milk if you have a dairy allergy.
Storage:
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Tips:
Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired for the best rise. Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which makes the bread chewy and