This Italian Easter Bread is as fun to bake as it is to eat!
The dough is soft and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of richness from the eggs and butter.
Letting the dough rise long enough is what gives it the best texture—rushing this step will make the bread too dense.
Brushing the top with an egg wash before baking creates a golden crust that makes the colors of the sprinkles pop even more.
The best part is how the eggs bake right into the bread, giving it a festive and traditional look that everyone recognizes.
How to Make Giada’s Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/3 cup Diced Salami
- 1/4 cup Dried or Chopped Fresh Herbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz.)
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then mix.
Step 2:
Gradually add olive oil to the flour and yeast mix, stirring continuously.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for around eight minutes.
Step 3:
Fold in the diced salami, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs.
Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4:
Place the dough into an oiled bowl.
Cover and let it rise in a warm location until it’s doubled in size, approximately one and a half hours.
Step 5:
Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf or round shape.
Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 375°F until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Room Temperature Eggs
Bringing your eggs to room temperature helps the dough bind better and rise evenly during baking.
Choose Quality Cheese and Meat
Using high-quality cheese and salami can greatly impact the flavor of the bread, making it more savory and rich.
Proper Dough Kneading
Kneading your dough well is essential as it develops the gluten needed to give the bread that lovely chewy texture.
Rising in a Warm Place
To ensure proper rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free environment.
I often leave it next to a slightly warm oven or wrapped in a thick towel.
Experiment with Herbs
Feel free to experiment with various herbs to personalize the flavor of your Casatiello.
Fresh rosemary or thyme can add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
What to Serve with Giada Italian Easter Bread
Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy flavors of Giada’s Italian Easter bread.
You can use a mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
A simple dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper keeps the salad light and refreshing.
Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans add a nice crisp texture alongside the fluffy bread.
You can quickly sauté them with garlic and a hint of lemon zest for added freshness.
A sprinkle of toasted almonds will give this side dish a lil’ crunch.
Roasted Eggplant
Roasted eggplant offers a robust counterpart to the bread’s sweetness.
To create this, slice the eggplant, season with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs, and roast until tender.
The earthy flavors of eggplant balance the savory cheese.
Pomegranate and Feta Salad
A pomegranate and feta salad can bring unexpected flair to your meal.
The sweet-tart pomegranate seeds pair nicely with creamy feta cheese, creating a vibrant taste sensation.
This unique combination complements the bread perfectly.
Herb-Infused Couscous
Try serving herb-infused couscous for something unusual but good!
By mixing in fresh chopped parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon, you create a refreshing side dish that accompanies the bread’s flavors well.
The tiny grains carry the herbs and citrusy zest in every bite.
Chilled Avocado Soup
For a refreshing twist, consider a chilled avocado soup.
The creamy, smooth texture of blended avocados blends beautifully with a hint of lime and cilantro.
This chilled soup can be a surprising contrast to the warm and hearty bread.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Choices
You have many options for the cheese in this bread.
Try Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even Fontina for different flavors!
Each cheese adds its own unique twist to the final product.
Meats and Fillings
Consider adding savory meats for a richer flavor.
Italian sausage or prosciutto are fantastic options to complement the bread’s sweetness.
Think about other fillings such as roasted peppers or olives for extra depth.
Sweet or Savory
You might prefer to make the bread sweet or savory.
For a sweeter version, incorporate vanilla extract or cinnamon into the dough.
If savory is more your style, sprinkle in some herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Egg Decorations
Traditionally, colorful eggs enhance the presentation of Easter bread.
Feel free to switch them out for quail eggs, or omit them entirely.
An egg wash on top can also provide a beautiful golden crust.
How to Store Leftover Giada’s Italian Easter Bread
Wrapping
When you have leftover bread, wrap it carefully to keep it soft and tasty.
Use paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil to protect it from drying out.
This will help preserve its delicious flavors.
Room Temperature
Store the wrapped bread at room temperature on your countertop.
Avoid placing it in the fridge, as this can make it stale more quickly.
Room temperature keeps the bread’s texture just right.
Freezing
If you want to save the bread for later, freezing is a fantastic option.
Wrap the bread tightly before placing it in the freezer.
This method will keep the bread fresh for months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Letting the Dough Rise
You might be tempted to skip the rising step, but patience is key!
Allow the dough to rise fully, which usually takes about an hour, to achieve that fluffy texture everyone loves.
Adding Too Much Flour
Adding too much flour can turn your bread dense and dry.
Rather than adding all the flour at once, gradually add while mixing until you reach a dough that is soft but not sticky.
Overbaking
Overbaking can result in a hard crust and a dry interior, which no one wants.
Keep a close eye on the bread in the oven and set a timer to avoid this common mishap.

Giada’s Italian Easter Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/3 cup Diced Salami
- 1/4 cup Dried or Chopped Fresh Herbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast 0.25 oz.
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 Large Eggs room temperature
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then mix.
- Gradually add olive oil to the flour and yeast mix, stirring continuously.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for around eight minutes.
- Fold in the diced salami, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs.
- Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Place the dough into an oiled bowl.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm location until it’s doubled in size, approximately one and a half hours.
- Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf or round shape.
- Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.