Crescia al Formaggio Recipe

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Crescia al Formaggio is a traditional Italian bread known for its rich, cheesy flavor and golden, fluffy texture. Originating from the Marche and Umbria regions of Italy, it’s both rustic and irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack, Crescia offers an easy way to bring Italian comfort food to your home. With simple ingredients and satisfying results, it’s ideal for bakers of all levels. Let’s explore how to make this beloved Italian bread from scratch.

Why You Will Love the Crescia al Formaggio Recipe

Crescia al Formaggio bread is more than just bread—it’s an experience rooted in Italian tradition and flavor. Here’s why you’ll love making this easy and delicious recipe at home:

• Made with wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Rich, savory flavor from two types of Italian cheese.
• Soft, fluffy texture with a perfectly golden crust.
• Great as a side dish, sandwich bread, or appetizer.
• A fun baking project for holidays or weekends.

Ingredients You Will Need

This cheesy Italian bread uses basic ingredients, yet delivers big flavor. Ensure everything is at room temperature before starting to achieve the best dough texture.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour.
• 1 cup warm milk.
• 3 large eggs.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
• ¼ cup olive oil.
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast.
• 1 tsp salt.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper.

How to Make Crescia al Formaggio

Making Crescia al Formaggio is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to create a fluffy, golden loaf filled with cheesy flavor and old-world Italian charm.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Mix the warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This activates the yeast, ensuring your dough rises properly during proofing.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Add eggs, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased round or loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for 45 minutes until puffed.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped and feel firm to the touch.

Crescia al Formaggio

Crescia al Formaggio is a flavorful Italian bread from the Marche region, enriched with Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses. This soft, golden loaf boasts a cheesy aroma and a tender crumb, making it perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a savory accompaniment to meals.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Rising Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Slices

Course: bread, Snack

Cuisine: Italian (Marche)

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Method

 

1. Mix warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Add eggs, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Stir and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place 1.5 hours or until doubled.
4. Punch down dough, shape into loaf, place in greased pan, cover, and let rise 45 minutes until puffed.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best dough texture. Serve fresh or toasted with butter, soft cheeses, or cured meats like prosciutto. Makes a great sandwich bread or accompaniment for hearty soups and stews. Cut into cubes for easy finger foods or appetizers. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep bread soft for 2–3 days.

Serving Tips for Crescia al Formaggio Bread

Crescia al Formaggio bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it’s also great for next-day meals. Here are a few ways to serve it deliciously and creatively:

• Serve with cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami.
• Slice and toast with butter or soft cheese.
• Use as sandwich bread for savory Italian-style fillings.
• Pair with hearty soups or vegetable stews.
• Cut into cubes and serve as finger food or appetizers.
  

Nutritional Benefits of Crescia al Formaggio Recipe

Crescia al Formaggio bread isn’t just tasty—it offers some nutritional value too. With protein-rich eggs and cheese, it provides lasting energy. Parmesan and Pecorino offer calcium for bone health. Olive oil delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The bread also contains carbs for energy, and a moderate amount of salt and pepper enhances flavor without going overboard. When eaten in moderation, Crescia can be part of a balanced diet. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy traditional flavors while fueling your body with essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Crescia al Formaggio bread is a warm, cheesy, and comforting Italian classic that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Whether shared with family or served on special occasions, it always impresses. This simple recipe brings old-world tradition to your kitchen. Try baking Crescia once, and you may never go back to ordinary bread. It’s flavorful, golden, and a true celebration of Italian home baking.