tagAlt.Italian Easter Bread Crescia

Umbrian Easter Cheese Bread: A Festive Classic

The ultimate Umbrian cheese bread—Crescia al Formaggio—celebrate Easter with a slice of Italian tradition!
Add to favourites

    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Georgia J. Bromley:

Easter bread was a must at my Nonna's house for Easter, and this recipe is very very similar to hers...Thank you!

read all reviews...

tagAlt.Italian Easter Bread Crescia

Experience the flavors of Umbria with this authentic Easter Cheese Bread, an irresistible delight that captures the spirit of Italian Easter celebrations. More than just a decorative centerpiece, this time-honored bread infuses your table with the rich, savory essence of Pecorino cheese—a staple of central Italian cuisine—and a light, airy crumb that will win the hearts of bread enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike.

This delicacy, also known as Crescia al Formaggio, stands out for its unique blend of heritage and flavor. Traditionally baked to usher in Easter Sunday, it symbolizes abundance and renewal, echoing centuries-old rural customs from Umbria and neighboring Marche. The combination of sharp Pecorino and fragrant dough creates a harmonious balance that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.

For those craving more Italian Easter traditions, browse the Mamablip Easter recipe index for creative ideas and inspiration. Elevate your meal further with expertly curated pairings from the Mamablip Wine Selections, offering the ideal Italian wines to complement your feast.

Stay connected to authentic Italian flavors—sign up for the Mamablip newsletter and receive weekly recipes, wine tips, and culinary secrets delivered straight to your inbox. Discover just how effortless and joyful living "alla Italiana" can be!

Ingredients

for 8 servings

Easter Cake with Cheese Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour 500 grams
  • Egg 5
  • Pecorino cheese 200 grams
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 50 grams
  • Fresh yeast 25 grams
  • Salt and Pepper as needed

Try it with...

or show me more...

Preparation

for 8 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Start the Dough with Yeast and Cheese

Dissolve the active dry yeast in a small amount of room temperature water, ensuring it is thoroughly melted to foster proper fermentation and rise.

Meanwhile, grate half of the Pecorino cheese for even distribution throughout the dough, and chop the remaining cheese into small cubes to add pockets of creamy flavor.

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending until the dough is smooth and uniform. This step is crucial to achieving the bread's signature texture and taste.

Step

2

Of 3

Shape and Rise, Then Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to achieve consistent baking results.

Generously grease a baking pan with extra virgin olive oil, which adds subtle flavor and helps prevent sticking. Pour the prepared dough into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has visibly expanded—this ensures the bread develops its airy, light crumb.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, monitoring for a golden crust and cooked center.

Step

3

Of 3

Finish with a Perfect Crust and Serve

During the final 10 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F) to achieve a beautifully browned, crisp exterior characteristic of Umbrian cheese bread.

Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let the bread cool completely on a wire rack—serving at room temperature enhances both aroma and texture.

Slice and present at your Easter table, allowing the robust flavors of Pecorino and the bread’s tender crumb to delight your guests.

Try it with...

or show me more...

Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

You may like

tagAlt.coccoli

Coccoli - Fried Pizza Dough

60 minutes 6 ingredients 390 kCal

(3) Intermediate
tagAlt.Fresh Egg Tagliatelle with Marinated Lamb and Tropea Onions

Handmade Egg Tagliatelle with Marinated Lamb and Sweet Tropea Onions

140 minutes 16 ingredients 450 kCal

(1) Intermediate
tagAlt.Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Cake with Balsamic Vinegar

Gluten-Free Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

15 minutes 5 ingredients 479 kCal

(1) Beginner

Reviews

G

Georgia J. Bromley Wednesday 31st of March 2021

easter bread

Easter bread was a must at my Nonna's house for Easter, and this recipe is very very similar to hers...Thank you!

all.sign in to leave a review
About us

A tight-knit team with a dream: to create a virtual meeting place between chefs, journalists and producers with Italian food and wine lovers around the world. Mamablip is a technological neighborhood cafe where a simple and intuitive language is spoken. It allows anyone to get in touch with the places of production and their interpreters and live real experiences made of scents, flavors and desire to learn. Mamablip brings producers, produce, chefs and experts directly to your home, offering authentic content that enhances sustainability and respect for the planet.