Casatiello
Casatiello is a traditional Italian Easter bread from Naples, packed with savory flavors of cheese and cured meats. This rich, dense bread is a cherished symbol of Neapolitan cuisine and Easter celebrations, offering a delicious taste of Italian heritage and family traditions.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup lard or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Filling:
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup diced prosciutto or pancetta
- 1 cup diced provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- Topping:
- 4 raw eggs optional, for decoration
- 1 beaten egg for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, lard or olive oil, salt, and pepper to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Evenly distribute the diced salami, prosciutto, provolone, and grated Pecorino over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a ring. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using, place the raw eggs on top of the dough and secure them with small strips of dough crisscrossed over each egg.
- Bake:
- Brush the dough with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an authentic taste, use aged cheeses and high-quality meats from a trusted butcher.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can substitute part of the flour with cake flour.
You can skip the eggs on top if you prefer a simpler presentation.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can substitute part of the flour with cake flour.
You can skip the eggs on top if you prefer a simpler presentation.