Cuckoo bread is a type of traditional English bread with a unique round shape, characterized by a sunken center resembling the shape of a cuckoo's nest. Also known as "cuckoo's bread" or "cuckoo pint," it is named after the cuckoo bird's habit of laying its eggs in other bird's nests. The term "cuckoo bread" has been in use since the 1600s.
This bread is typically made with a combination of wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water, and can sometimes include additional ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, or spices for flavor enhancement. The dough is formed into a round loaf with a depression in the middle achieved through a specific shaping technique.
In some regional variations, a small ball of dough or a hard-boiled egg is placed in the center of the loaf before baking, symbolizing the cuckoo's egg. Once baked, the bread develops a crusty outer layer, while the sunken center remains softer and chewier.
Cuckoo bread is often associated with festive occasions, such as Easter or spring celebrations, and is also served on special family occasions or gatherings. Similar to brioche or a rich dinner roll, it is typically sliced and served with butter or other spreads, accompanying various meals or used as a base for sandwiches.
