Back arrow Recipe details
search icon
Breakfast
share icon Share

Christmas Eve Bread

time icon

3h 15min

servings icon

12 servings

0

0 Reviews
cook this dish Cook this dish

Balkan Christmas Eve Bread, or Česnica, is a traditional bread served during the Christmas Eve dinner in many Balkan countries. This round, slightly sweet bread is often decorated with intricate patterns and may contain a hidden coin or trinket, believed to bring good luck to the person who finds it. The bread's soft, fluffy texture and subtle flavors make it a beloved part of the holiday celebration.

Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is estimated and may vary based on portion size and preparation.

Facts
Quantity
Fiber
Sugar
2 g
8 g
Allergen Content

Based on your allergy profile, please note the following possible allergens:

Eggs

Milk

Wheat

Ingredients

Choose ‘+’ button to add missing ingredients to your grocery list

Steps

Read instructions and get ready to cook

1
Activate yeast

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.

2
Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

3
Melt butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4
Beat eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

5
Combine wet ingredients

Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the remaining 1/2 cup of milk to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

6
Mix dough

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.

7
Knead dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

8
Let dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

9
Shape bread

Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet.

10
Let bread rise again

Cover the shaped bread with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

11
Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

12
Decorate bread (optional)

If desired, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts on the surface of the bread to create a decorative pattern.

13
Bake bread

Bake the Christmas Eve Bread for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

14
Cool and serve

Remove the Balkan Christmas Eve Bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Ratings
0
Comments (0)
Recipe image