Name: Kulich (Russian Easter Bread)
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar plus a pinch; 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter; Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (from a 1/4-oz package); 1/4 cup lukewarm water (105–115°F); 6 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting; 4 large eggs; 2 (5- to 6-cup) soufflé dishes or 2 (2-pound) cleaned empty coffee cans

Photo by Anna Williams

A cross between brioche and challah, this bread is a lightly sweetened, egg-glazed cylinder, often baked in a coffee can to make a tall loaf. The kulich would sit proudly in the center of the family Easter basket, surrounded by meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs. It's a central part of the Easter meal, served with sweet paskha cheese or unsalted butter.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes
Savory or sweet, 3-day project or 1-hour quick loaf, whatever kind of bread you want to bake, it's here.
The Charming Easter Breads That Are Baked in Tin Cans
A Russian Easter tradition, sweet, brioche-like kulich are iced with a sugary glaze and decorated with flowers, candy sprinkles, or nuts.
61 Great Easter Breads and Cakes
Celebrate spring with a freshly baked seasonal treat.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes

The Charming Easter Breads That Are Baked in Tin Cans

61 Great Easter Breads and Cakes