Crescia Con Formaggio Marchigiana e Americana

Mom was a genius at innovation and experimenting with a recipe. Whatever it would take to make her dish or bread or dessert the best of the best, she was always up for the task. Crescia, not flowers sprouting in the garden, was our first sign of springtime as it was always made first around Easter and then throughout the season. The secret to it was to make it in abundance so there was plenty to go around and plenty to give away to friends and family. This recipe evolved over time to include Kraft White American Singles. That’s right – somewhere along the way of countless years of making this delicious bread, Mom realized that Kraft White American Singles were the secret key ingredient for melt in your mouth savory Crescia. In honor of American cheese, we have changed the name to add on Americana at the end but make no mistake about it, this is an Italian bread from the first bite to the last crumb.

The ingredients list reads like a symphony of flavors, each element carefully selected to contribute to the bread's rich taste and texture. From the Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour to the Land O Lakes Large Brown Eggs, every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect dough. But it's the unexpected inclusion of Kraft White American Singles that truly elevates this recipe to new heights. These humble slices of cheese add a creamy richness and depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the savory notes of the parmigiano/romano blend.

Preparing the crescia is a labor of love, requiring patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. The flour mixture is meticulously seasoned with salt, pepper, and grated cheese, setting the stage for the dough's transformation. As the yeast activates in warm water, a magical alchemy takes place, infusing the dough with life and vitality. With gentle hands and a steady rhythm, the ingredients come together, forming a smooth, elastic dough that promises to yield a loaf of unparalleled deliciousness.

Greasing the loaf pans with shortening is a ritual passed down through generations, ensuring that each crescia emerges from the oven with a perfectly golden crust and a tender crumb. But it's the moment when the slices of Kraft White American Singles are folded into the dough that the true magic happens. As the cheese melts and melds with the surrounding dough, it creates pockets of gooey goodness that burst with flavor with every bite.

Finally, as the crescia bakes to golden perfection in a preheated oven, the kitchen fills with a tantalizing aroma that beckons all who pass by. With bated breath, we wait for the timer to chime, signaling that our creation is ready to be savored. As we gather around the table to break bread together, we're reminded of the power of tradition, innovation, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Crescia Con Formaggio Marchigiana e Americana is more than just a recipe—it's a celebration of family, heritage, and the boundless possibilities that arise when we dare to think outside the box.

Crescia Con Formaggio Marchigiana e Americana - Italian Easter Cheese Bread

Servings: 10

Prep time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 Hour

Mom's innovative recipe for Crescia, a cherished symbol of spring in our household, has evolved over time to incorporate Kraft White American Singles. This unexpected addition transforms the bread into a savory delight, honoring both its Italian origins and the influence of American cheese. Crafted abundantly, Crescia is meant to be shared generously with loved ones, embodying Mom's dedication to culinary excellence.

Ingredients

7-8 cups of Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour.
* For Gluten Free Crescia – use Caputo Gluten Free Flour
1 ½ cups butter
3 packages of Fleischmann’s Original Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
8 eggs – Land O Lakes Large Brown Eggs work best here
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons pepper (add more if you prefer)
½ lb grated parmigiano/romano (it is important to use a mix)
¼ cup oil
1 10.7 oz package of Kraft White American Singles
Shortening to coat the loaf pans (we prefer Crisco)

Instructions

Prepare the flour with salt, pepper and the grated parmigiano/reggiano mix.
In the meantime, melt the butter.
Place the dry yeast in 1 ¼ cups very warm water along with the teaspoon of sugar.
Put the risen yeast in the flour mixture along with the eggs and butter.
Mix it all together and work it with your hands using the oil a little at a time while working the mixture.
Grease the pans with shortening of your choice.
Place dough in pans (this may take several pans depending on size you have available) and then fold and cover into the dough slices of the Kraft White American Cheese.Usually 2-3 slices per loaf pan.
Place where there is no draft and lots of quiet. Wait for dough to rise (about half an hour).
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Once dough has risen, place in oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.