Recipe details
Breakfast
Share
Christmas Eve Bread
3h 15min
12 servings
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
0
Steps
Read instructions and get ready to cook
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.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Melt butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Beat eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
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.
Mix dough
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
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.
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.
Shape bread
Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet.
Let bread rise again
Cover the shaped bread with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Decorate bread (optional)
If desired, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts on the surface of the bread to create a decorative pattern.
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.
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)
No ratings or reviews yet.