Bunny Bread

Has there ever been a cuter centerpiece for an Easter brunch? We think this bunny bread takes the cake! (Er, bread!) It may look like a high-level recipe to pull off, but the reality is that you need only two premade bread doughs from the frozen section of the grocery store and our step-by-step directions. Two raisins make the eyes and a couple of almonds act as teeth. Once the Easter bunny bread is baked to golden brown perfection, place your favorite dip right in the middle and surround the bunny with your favorite raw vegetables.

Ingredients for Bunny Bread

• Premade bread dough: Buy two loaves of premade, frozen bread dough and allow them to thaw completely before starting this Easter bunny bread recipe.
• Raisins: You’ll need two dark raisins for the eyes.
• Almonds: Use two sliced almonds for the teeth. Sliced almonds have the nut’s white interior exposed, which resembles teeth better than brown, unsliced almonds.
• Egg: Beat one egg to make an egg wash.
• Dip: Use your favorite crudite dip here! Try a pungent caramelized onion dip, a spicy jalapeno dip, this colorful roasted vegetable dip or a pickle lover’s dill pickle dip.

Directions

Step 1: Form the body and head

Take one loaf of dough and cut off a fourth. Shape that piece into a pear to form the head. For the body, flatten the remaining portion of the dough into a 7×6-inch oval.

Place the body on a greased baking sheet, then place the head above the body. Make narrow cuts, about 3/4-inch deep, on each side of the head for whiskers.

Step 2: Form the ears

Cut the second loaf into four equal portions. For the ears, roll two of the portions into 16-inch ropes. Fold the ropes in half. Arrange the ears with the open ends touching the head.

Step 3: Add the back paws

Cut the third portion of the dough in half. Form each half into a 3-1/2-inch oval for the back paws. Cut two 1-inch slits on the top edge of each paw for toes. Position one back paw on each side of the body.

Step 4: Assemble the face and front paws

Divide the fourth portion of dough into three pieces. Shape two of the pieces into 2-1/2-inch balls for the front paws. Form the remaining piece into two 1-inch balls for the cheeks and one 1/2-inch ball for the nose.

Place one front paw on each side of the body. Cut two 1-inch slits on the paws to create toes. Place the cheeks and nose on the face. Add the two raisins to create the eyes and arrange the almonds to make the teeth.

Step 5: Rise and bake the dough bunny

Cover the dough bunny with a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the dough with the beaten egg. Bake the dough until it’s nice and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the bread to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Arrange on a serving board

Place the bread on a serving tray. Cut a 3-1/2-inch circle in the center of the body. Pull the bread out from the circle, leaving a 1/2-inch shell (discard the removed bread or save it for another use). Place a 1-cup shallow bowl in the hole and fill with dip. Enjoy!

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Recipe Variations

• Turn it into a sweet dish: Take this recipe for bunny bread from savory to sweet! Once the baked bread Easter bunny comes out of the oven, brush it with melted butter and then generously sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. Place a dessert dip, like a honey cinnamon butter spread or this super well-reviewed chocolate chip dip, in the middle of its tummy.
• Change the shape with the holidays: If you love the idea of a themed-shaped bread loaf for the center of your holiday table, try out other fun shapes! This viral turkey-shaped bread might rival the actual turkey on Thanksgiving, and this golden Santa bread is such a fun project for a special Christmas dinner. For Halloween, shape premade bread dough into these adorable pumpkin-shaped rolls!

How to Store Bunny Bread

If you have any Easter bunny bread leftovers you wish to save, take the dip out of the tummy and wrap the bread tightly in storage wrap or transfer the bread to an airtight container. The bread can sit at room temperature for up to three days. Cover the dip with storage wrap, then place the vegetables in an airtight container. They both can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Can you freeze a bunny bread for Easter?

Absolutely! Once the bread Easter bunny is baked and cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in two layers of storage wrap. It can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. Allow the bread to thaw at room temperature. Feel free to rewarm it in a 350° oven for 10 minutes if desired.

Bunny Bread Tips

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What vegetables should I serve with this Easter bunny bread recipe?

This recipe for bunny bread can be served with any crudites. Carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, bell peppers—any vegetables that will make it look as if this bunny is peeking through a lush spring garden will work. You could even add a few garnishes like edible flowers, lemon wedges or blood orange slices for more vibrancy. Grab inspiration from our colorful crudites platter that seriously looks like a vegetable garden.

Can I use my own bread dough?

Absolutely! If you’re a bread purist, use your own bread dough to make this Easter bunny bread recipe. A basic homemade bread dough will do.