Greek Tsoureki

by CC Systems March 26, 2025

Greek Tsoureki – Traditional Sweet Bread | Bakaliko Greek Products Netherlands

Looking for an authentic Greek sweet bread recipe? Tsoureki is a soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet braided bread, perfect for celebrating Greek Easter. Infused with mahleb and mastic, this fluffy, golden bread is a must-have for your festive table.

(Recipe ⬇️)

At Bakaliko, we bring you the finest Greek products in the Netherlands, so you can recreate this traditional treat at home!

What Makes Tsoureki Special?

Unlike regular bread, Greek tsoureki has a rich, buttery texture with a subtle spice aroma from mahleb and mastic. These unique ingredients give it a distinctive taste and a chewy, airy consistency - perfect for enjoying fresh or toasted with butter and honey.

Greek Tsoureki Recipe

Ingredients:

✅ 1 kg flour (specifically for tsoureki)
✅ 70g yeast
✅ 500g milk
✅ 380g sugar
✅ 130g melted butter (from goat & sheep milk) + 60g extra for shaping
✅ 4 eggs
✅ 1 tsp ground mastic
✅ 1 heaping tsp ground mahleb
✅ A pinch of salt
✅ 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
✅ Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)

How to Make Greek Tsoureki:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Sift 100g of flour into a bowl.
Add the yeast and 100g of warm milk. Mix until smooth.
Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Mixture

Heat 130g butter with 400g of milk in a saucepan.
Add the sugar, stir, and remove from heat once dissolved.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a stand mixer, add the remaining 900g flour.
Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk mixture.

Lightly beat the eggs and add them to the bowl.
Add mastic, mahleb, and salt, then the activated yeast mixture.
Mix at medium speed with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes, until smooth.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 4-5 hours (until doubled in size).
Once risen, press the dough down, fold it over itself, cover, and let it rise for another 4-5 hours.

Step 5: Shape the Tsoureki

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
Take each portion, divide into three ropes, and braid them together.
Repeat for the remaining dough to form 4 loaves.

Step 6: Final Rise & Baking

Let the braided loaves rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Brush each loaf with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sliced almonds (optional).

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.

Enjoy Authentic Greek Tsoureki with Bakaliko!

At Bakaliko Greek Products Netherlands, we offer premium-quality Greek ingredients to make your Easter special. Whether you're baking tsoureki, koulourakia, or cooking greek dishes like magiritsa and lamb fricassee, we’ve got everything you need!

Order your Greek Easter essentials today and celebrate with tradition! 🇬🇷🍞🐣