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Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread
EAT

ANNA'S KITCHEN

Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread

The Easter season is here, and with it comes the joy of making our traditional Pane di Pasqua.

By Anna Prezio

 |  

April 11, 2025

Pane di Pasqua – Italian Easter Bread

By Anna Prezio

Ingredients

  • 6

     large eggs

  • 3

    envelopes (21g) active dry yeast

  • 1

    cup avocado oil

  • 1/2

    cup granulated sugar

  • 6

    cups all-purpose flour

  • Zest of 1 lemon

TOTAL TIME

6 hours

5 servings

The Easter season is here, and with it comes the joy of making our traditional Pane di Pasqua. A soft, golden bread that's been part of our family table for generations. There's something so comforting about working the dough with your hands, shaping each braid with care, and watching it rise slowly throughout the day. To make it even more festive, we’re serving this year’s loaves with a chilled glass of Gratsi White. Its crisp, delicate flavor pairs so beautifully with the light citrus notes in the bread, adding a refreshing touch to every bite. A simple pairing that elevates the whole experience.

A person wearing a yellow apron stands behind a wooden counter with lemons, eggs, a cup of milk, a glass of sugar, oil, a zester, a spatula, and a dough scraper arranged in front of them.

STEP 1

In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar for several minutes until light and well combined. Add yeast, oil, lemon zest, and flour. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

STEP 2

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 1 minute. Cover with a tea towel and let rest for 10 minutes.

An older woman with short white hair and glasses kneads dough on a floured wooden surface in a kitchen. She wears a yellow apron over a white shirt and is smiling as she works.

STEP 3

Meanwhile, wash and dry the decorative eggs. Line baking trays with parchment paper and divide the dough into portions based on your desired size. Braid or shape as preferred (see video for technique). Place on trays, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 5–6 hours until tripled in size.

Two side-by-side photos of a smiling older woman in a yellow apron making a braided dough wreath in a modern kitchen. In one photo she holds the dough wreath on a tray; in the other, she shapes the dough by hand.

STEP 4

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush loaves with egg wash. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

STEP 5

Cool on a wire rack before serving.

A beautiful, traditional bread that’s soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for your Easter table.

A person in a yellow apron holds a wooden board with three bread loaves shaped like swaddled babies and a large, braided ring-shaped bread in a bright kitchen.

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