Česnica (Serbian Christmas Bread)

Name: Česnica (Serbian Christmas Bread)
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: European, Eastern European
Ingredients: 500 g plain flour (strong white bread flour preferred); 7 g dried yeast (or 20g fresh yeast); 250 ml warm water (plus extra if needed); 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp sunflower oil or lard (traditional); 1 whole clean coin wrapped in foil (for tradition); 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk (for glazing); Small pieces of dough shaped into crosses (braids, or birds)

Instructions

Prep:2hCook:40min

Česnica is a traditional Serbian Christmas bread baked with yeast and decorated with symbolic shapes often hiding a coin inside for luck and shared by family during the festive meal

Updated at: Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:00:18 GMT