{"id":359465,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T00:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-ricotta-easter-bread\/"},"modified":"2025-03-03T14:59:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T20:59:34","slug":"italian-ricotta-easter-bread","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-ricotta-easter-bread\/","title":{"rendered":"Ricotta Bread"},"content":{"rendered":"
When I was little, one of the holiday dishes I most looked forward to was a delicate loaf of bread slicked with a sweet glaze and served as part of my family’s Easter meal. Many Easter breads<\/a> are braided, often studded with whole colored eggs baked into the top. This recipe is a more straightforward loaf, one long braid topped with colorful sprinkles.<\/p>\n While similar to a traditional Italian Easter bread<\/a> enriched with eggs, this recipe includes ricotta cheese, which adds a rich, fuller flavor. It’s so delicious that you won’t want to wait until Easter to make it. Change the sprinkles (or delete them altogether) and serve this ricotta bread recipe any time of year.<\/p>\n Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0. Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the ricotta and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk 5 cups flour, the baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the final cup of flour by hand.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> While most of the mixing can be done in a stand mixer, you can also do all of it by hand.<\/p>\n Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into thirds. Roll each segment into an 18-inch rope. Place the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and braid. Pinch the ends to seal, then tuck both ends under the braid. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> To ensure the bread doesn’t dry out in the oven, check it with a toothpick after 45 minutes and decide if it needs additional time. Alternatively, if you have an instant-read thermometer, look for a temperature of 200\u00b0 in the center of the loaf.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, beat the confectioners’ sugar, milk and almond extract until smooth. Brush the glaze on the bread while it’s still warm but not piping hot, and top it with sliced almonds or sprinkles.<\/p>\n Store leftover bread with ricotta in a resealable plastic bag in a cool, dry place. Eat the ricotta bread within three days.<\/p>\n To store ricotta bread longer, wrap it in storage wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to three months.<\/p>\n This braided bread<\/a> is a beautiful presentation for a holiday or special occasion. You can also try making it into a braided wreath bread<\/a>. Or, you can skip the braiding and divide the dough in half to make regular loaves or into smaller pieces to make mini loaves. Either way, decrease the cooking time accordingly.<\/p>\n Our ricotta bread recipe is classic spring fare, so serve it alongside other dishes you associate with the season. It would be excellent with Easter ham<\/a>, an asparagus-bacon-shallot tart<\/a>, a\u00a0roasted sweet potato salad<\/a> and a\u00a0kale slaw spring salad<\/a>. The bread would also highlight a dessert buffet with a carrot cake cheese ball<\/a>, some strawberry-rhubarb cobbler<\/a> and the world’s best lemon pie<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Made with eggs, cheese and milk, this rich, sweet ricotta bread is a perfect addition to a holiday buffet table.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2109796,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304158,305616,305615,306910,304328,305271,305487,304430,305334,304515,304408,304368,303887,306848,305353,304558,324623,306973,304150,303883,304258,304353],"categories-v2":[310461,309438,310897,310890,309906,308988,308319,308984,309216,310796,308830,309337,308880,308813,308745,308478,309603,309362,308910,309177,309971,309434,308476,309599,309005],"coauthors":[341951],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Italian Easter Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-italian-easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Easy-Italian-Easter-Bread_EXPS_FT23_29704_ST_01_04_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Easter Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps1477_TH2030C1-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ricotta Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/ricotta-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Easter Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps2198_CW2031C29A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Grandma Nardi's Italian Easter Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/grandma-nardi-s-italian-easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps172245_TH163619D09_25_5b-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps3183_couam92p51dtran.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Italian Holiday Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-italian-holiday-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Sweet-Italian-Holiday-Bread_exps170960_THCA143053C09_11_7bC_RMS-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Sweet Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-sweet-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/EXPS_TOHD24_22822_JonathanMelendez_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Cheese Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-cheese-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Italian-Cheese-Bread_EXPS_BOBMZ22_10546_E10_08_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Pizza Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-pizza-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Parmesan Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-parmesan-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps3001_cwnd90p29cbook-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Cheese Loaf","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-cheese-loaf\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Italian-Cheese-Loaf_EXPS_MTCBBZ17_18881_C02_24_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Paska Bread (Ukrainian Easter Bread)","post_link":"\/recipes\/paska-easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Paska-Bread-Ukrainian-Easter-Bread-_EXPS_FT25_29708_JR_0116_11.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ricotta-Stuffed French Toast","post_link":"\/recipes\/ricotta-stuffed-french-toast\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps3428_couon90p49btran.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Ricotta Pasta","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-ricotta-pasta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Lemon-Ricotta-Pasta_EXPS_FT23_273360_ST_4_04_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ricotta and Cottage Cheese","post_link":"\/article\/ricotta-and-cottage-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/TOH_Logo_Black.png"},{"post_title":"Classic Almond Ricotta Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/classic-almond-ricotta-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_272195_EricKleinberg_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet and Golden Easter Bread","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-and-golden-easter-bread\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Sweet-and-Golden-Easter-Bread_exps39008_HCA2081250A03_01_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Meat Loaf","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-meatloaf\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Italian-Meat-Loaf_EXPS_FT23_3950_ST_1103_8.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","override_recipe_video_settings":false,"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-ricotta-easter-bread\/","name":"Ricotta Bread","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2025-03-03","prepTime":"PT30M","cookTime":"PT45M","totalTime":"PT01H15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":"","description":"Ricotta bread is a traditional Italian spring treat. It is a sweet and tender glazed loaf that can be dressed up with colorful sprinkles.","recipeIngredient":["3\/4 cup plain or butter-flavored shortening, room temperature","1-1\/2 cups sugar","3 large eggs, room temperature","3 large egg yolks, room temperature","1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese","1 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)","6 cups all-purpose flour","1 tablespoon baking powder","1 teaspoon salt","1\/2 cup 2% milk","GLAZE:","1-1\/2 cups confectioners' sugar","3 tablespoons 2% milk","1\/2 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)","Sliced toasted almonds or assorted sprinkles"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the dough","text":"Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0. Cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the ricotta and almond extract. In another bowl, whisk 5 cups flour, the baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the final cup of flour by hand. Editor's Tip: While most of the mixing can be done in a stand mixer, you can also do all of it by hand."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Braid and bake the bread","text":"Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into thirds. Roll each segment into an 18-inch rope. Place the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and braid. Pinch the ends to seal, then tuck both ends under the braid. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Editor's Tip: To ensure the bread doesn't dry out in the oven, check it with a toothpick after 45 minutes and decide if it needs additional time. Alternatively, if you have an instant-read thermometer, look for a temperature of 200\u00b0 in the center of the loaf."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make some glaze","text":"Meanwhile, beat the confectioners' sugar, milk and almond extract until smooth. Brush the glaze on the bread while it's still warm but not piping hot, and top it with sliced almonds or sprinkles.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ricotta-Bread_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_02.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"18 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Suzanne Podhaizer"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 376 calories","fatContent":"11g fat (4g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"68mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"247mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"60g carbohydrate (28g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"8g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.75,"reviewCount":8,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, Italian","video":{"@type":"VideoObject","name":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","description":"Dusted with pastel sugar this bread is destined to be your Easter centerpiece","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/wpthumbnailsprod\/rzeA8I1E%20Uot7Fvi8_thumbnail.jpeg"],"uploadDate":"2020-09-5 10:39:29","duration":"P0DT0H1M23S","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/rzeA8I1E-Uot7Fvi8.mp4"},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2023-04-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Sue770"},"reviewBody":" Thanks to Tina for this amazing wonderful recipe. I had to use a gluten free cup for cup flour because of Celiac and Gluten allergies in the family and this was and is the most delicious bread I have ever tasted even as good as my Noni's Thank you thank you thank you. Taste, crumb, directions are great Video is a must. I could not stop eating this and will make again<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-04-02","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"LeahL"},"reviewBody":"Excellent recipe! Tried it for the first time for Easter to replace a yeast bread that I just had too much trouble with. This didn't disappoint. The only thing I would do different is to make 2 smaller loaves instead of one big loaf. Also, I didn't over bake but still felt like the minimum 45 minutes might have been 5 minutes too much in my oven. So I'd start checking at 40 minutes. Next time I will braid on the sheet pan or on the parchment paper for ease of lifting. Another thing that I did was instead of making 3 ropes to braid, I left the dough in one piece and cut it into 3rds about 2 inches down from the top and braided from there. This is a keeper!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-04-06","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"PLJanson"},"reviewBody":"I\u2019ve been making bread for a really long time and this one has become a new family favorite!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-04-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"NancyRusso"},"reviewBody":"Flavor is excellent! And ease of preparation is a plus. My only suggestion is to separate the dough in half then divide each half into thirds and make two smaller loaves. I made one loaf as the recipe stated. It was huge and also cracked in half as I was trying to move it after it cooled. I had extra ricotta so I made a half recipe and made a smaller loaf ( each rope was about 12 inches or so in length). That loaf was beautiful! I did not add almonds or sprinkles. Lightly glazed was perfect!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-05-28","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"suefalk"},"reviewBody":"Wow, wow amazing! This will be an Easter tradition from now on. Easy to make, and perfect for hostess gifts!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-04-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"LLH"},"reviewBody":"This was pretty tasty but way too big. If I cut the recipe in half, or made 2 loaves, how long would you suggest I bake?","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-04-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Jellybug"},"reviewBody":"For Easter I made several specialty breads, and this one was my favorite. Sweet and moist. Delicious!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-05-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"momzilla24"},"reviewBody":"Very good flavor (used almond extract and almonds on top) but the texture was a bit disappointing. The bread had a thin , dry crust like a yeast bread but the inside was moist and quite dense. It was more like a pound cake consistency than a sweet bread. Followed suggestion of others and made 2 smaller loaves and that worked out well.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"title":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","description":"Dusted with pastel sugar this bread is destined to be your Easter centerpiece","url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/rzeA8I1E-Uot7Fvi8.mp4","duration":"83","mime_type":"video\/mp4","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/videodam.tmbi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/poster-190.jpg","advertising":true,"jw_id":"rzeA8I1E","jw_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/videos\/rzeA8I1E-Uot7Fvi8.mp4","jw_thmub_url":"http:\/\/content.jwplatform.com\/v2\/media\/rzeA8I1E\/poster.jpg?width=720","jw_publish_date":"06\/12\/2018"},"rms_legacy_id":"199407","romance_copy_dek":"Ricotta bread is a traditional Italian spring treat. It is a sweet and tender glazed loaf that can be dressed up with colorful sprinkles.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3\/4 cup plain or butter-flavored shortening, room temperature","IngredientText":"3\/4 cup plain or butter-flavored shortening, room temperature"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups sugar","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 large eggs, room temperature","IngredientText":"3 large eggs, room temperature"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 large egg yolks, room temperature","IngredientText":"3 large egg yolks, room temperature"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese","IngredientText":"1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"6 cups all-purpose flour","IngredientText":"6 cups all-purpose flour"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon baking powder","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon baking powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup 2% milk","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup 2% milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"GLAZE:<\/b>","IngredientText":"GLAZE:<\/b>"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups confectioners' sugar","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups confectioners' sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 tablespoons 2% milk","IngredientText":"3 tablespoons 2% milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon almond extract (or flavor of choice)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Sliced toasted almonds or assorted sprinkles","IngredientText":"Sliced toasted almonds or assorted sprinkles"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","RecipeId":199407,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":"[dam-video dam-id=\"28531\"]","RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Tina","Lastname":"Mirilovich","City":"Johnstown","StateDescription":"Pennsylvania","IsCommunityCook":true,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":18,"MaximumServingQuantity":18,"Yield":"18 servings. ","DigitalTitle":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","SubmittedTitle":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.75,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/1\/2018 12:00:00 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_THAM17_199407_C11_11_4b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":30,"CookTimeInMinutes":45,"TotalTimeInMinutes":75,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":true,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","OriginalSourceProject":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread","ContestPlacement":"Runner-Up","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"I changed our family's traditional Easter bread by adding ricotta and a few other ingredients. The almond flavoring works wonders! \u2014 Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Preheat oven to 350\u00b0. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and extract. In another bowl, whisk 5 cups flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in final 1 cup flour by hand.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and braid. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under braid. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes (do not overbake). Remove to wire rack to cool.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Meanwhile, beat confectioners' sugar, milk and extract until smooth. Brush on bread while still warm; top with sliced almonds or sprinkles.","SequenceNo":3}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":0},{"Name":"Baking Recipes","ID":111650},{"Name":"Bread Baking","ID":111685}],"Course":[{"Name":"Course","ID":0},{"Name":"Bread Recipes","ID":94254},{"Name":"Quick Bread Recipes","ID":94450}],"Cuisine":[{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Indian Recipes","ID":89660},{"Name":"Italian Bread Recipes","ID":89692},{"Name":"Italian Recipes","ID":89684}],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Almond Recipes","ID":100609},{"Name":"Milk","ID":102025},{"Name":"Nut Recipes","ID":100501}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[{"Name":"Publication","ID":0},{"Name":"All Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107457},{"Name":"Taste Recipes Magazine Recipes","ID":107265}],"WinningRecipes":[{"Name":"Winning Recipes","ID":0},{"Name":"Winning Bread Recipes","ID":107195}],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Winning Recipes","ID":304353},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Europe","ID":305334},{"Name":"Italian","ID":305353},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Bread Recipes","ID":305616},{"Name":"Breads Rolls & Pastries","ID":305615},{"Name":"Breads, Rolls & Pastries","ID":305615},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Easter","ID":304430},{"Name":"Events & Gatherings","ID":304515},{"Name":"Holidays","ID":304408},{"Name":"Potluck","ID":304558},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Ricotta Cheese","ID":306973},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Baking Breads & Desserts","ID":304158},{"Name":"Toasting","ID":304258},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":6,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1 piece: 376 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein. ","NoOfRatings":8,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Bread_EXPS_TOHD25_199407_JonathanMelendez_05.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43222,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":310890,"name":"Breads, Rolls & Pastries","slug":"breads-rolls-pastries","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310825,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Learning how to make bread and pastries from scratch is so satisfying for any home baker. We've got the tips and recipes you need.","parent":310796,"count":4067,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/breads-rolls-pastries\/"},{"term_id":310897,"name":"Bread Recipes","slug":"bread-recipes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310832,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Whether you like quick breads or yeast bread recipes, our Test Kitchen has hundreds of recipes for you to explore.","parent":310890,"count":3544,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/breads-rolls-pastries\/bread-recipes\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Italian Ricotta Easter Bread"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nRicotta Bread Ingredients<\/h2>\n
Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Prepare the dough<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Braid and bake the bread<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Make some glaze<\/h3>\n
Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Ricotta Bread Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Ricotta Bread<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze ricotta bread?<\/h3>\n
Ricotta Bread Tips<\/h2>\n
Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What other shapes can you make with ricotta bread?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with ricotta bread?<\/h3>\n