Kalács is a Hungarian sweet yeast bread traditionally served at Easter.
It is commonly braided or formed into a loaf and enriched with ingredients such as milk, butter, eggs, and sugar. Families may serve it at the Easter breakfast table alongside ham, boiled eggs, horseradish, and other holiday foods. Recipes vary by region and household, so the bread may be plain or include flavorings and fillings.
Kalács belongs to a wider Central and Eastern European family of festive enriched breads. Similar loaves have different names and shapes in neighboring countries, which can cause confusion when comparing Easter traditions.
Although kalács is associated strongly with Easter in Hungary, it is not limited to that holiday. It may also appear at Christmas, weddings, and other celebrations. Its braided form often signals that it is a special occasion bread rather than an everyday loaf.