Impasto della Crescia pasqua ( Umbrian Easter bread Dough)Recipe Guide

Notes on What to Expect

Crescia di Pasqua is rich, savory, and lightly cheesy with a fluffy interior. The golden crust and aromatic spices make it a centerpiece for holiday meals. It’s a rewarding bake that requires patience, especially during the rising times.

Recipe Details

Cuisine: Italian (Umbrian)
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rising Time: 6 hours (divided into stages)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Ease of Cooking: Moderate
Servings: 8-10 slices
Calories: ~450 per slice

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or Italian 0 flour
  • 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3-4 dashes of black pepper
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
  • ½ cup light olive oil
  • ⅓ cup lukewarm milk
• Yeast Starter:
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ tablespoons lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• Cheese Filling:
  • 5 oz small cubes of Gruyère, Provolone, or Fontina
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Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with a dough hook
• Mixing bowls
• 8-inch round or loaf pan
• Plastic wrap and kitchen towel
• Pastry brush
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Starter

• Dissolve sugar or honey in lukewarm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Stir gently.

2. Mix the Dough

• In the mixer bowl, combine flour, Parmesan, and Pecorino. Add milk, eggs, egg yolk, olive oil, and the yeast starter.
• Knead with the dough hook on low speed. Gradually add salt and pepper. Knead for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

• Shape the dough into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 2 hours or until doubled in size.

4. Incorporate the Cheese

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and scatter cheese cubes over it. Fold the edges to enclose the cheese, then reshape into a ball.

5. Second Rise

• Transfer the dough to a greased round pan. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 2-4 hours, until the dough reaches the rim.

6. Bake

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and firm to touch. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Variations and Tips

1. Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetarian cheese for dietary preferences.
2. Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the dough for a spiced note.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free bread mix.
4. Serving Suggestions: Pair with cold cuts, olives, or a soft ricotta spread for a festive platter.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

I hope this guide has made baking Crescia di Pasqua less daunting! Have you tried it before, or do you have questions about the process? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to share your feedback!