Greek Tsoureki (Easter Bread)

This traditional Greek Easter bread is a celebration of spring, featuring a rich, soft crumb and a delicate sweetness balanced by aromatic orange zest and mastic. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, creating a tender texture that holds its shape beautifully in the iconic triple braid. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special weekend treat, this tsoureki offers a warm, comforting flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It is a labor of love that rewards you with a stunning centerpiece and delicious, shareable slices.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Greek

Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 12

Calories: 250

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This traditional Greek Easter bread is a celebration of spring, featuring a rich, soft crumb and a delicate sweetness balanced by aromatic orange zest and mastic. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, creating a tender texture that holds its shape beautifully in the iconic triple braid. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special weekend treat, this tsoureki offers a warm, comforting flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It is a labor of love that rewards you with a stunning centerpiece and delicious, shareable slices.

Directions

1
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter over medium heat. Warm until the butter melts and the mixture is scalded, but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl.
2
Allow the milk mixture to cool until it is lukewarm (about 105°F-110°F). Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
3
Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add the salt, beaten eggs, 3 tablespoons of the orange juice, and the grated orange rind. Mix well.
4
Gradually add half of the sifted flour, stirring until combined. Continue adding the remaining flour gradually, mixing until a sticky dough forms. The dough should be soft but not stiff.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
6
Place the dough in a large buttered bowl. Brush the top with a little melted butter. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 2 to 3 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
7
Punch the dough down to release air. Divide the dough into two equal halves. Take one half and divide it into three equal strands. Roll each strand into a rope about 10 inches long.
8
Braid the three ropes together tightly. Pinch the ends to seal. If using dyed eggs, tuck them into the center of the braid now. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9
Repeat the shaping process with the second half of the dough to make a second loaf. Cover both loaves and let rise for another 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled again.
10
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the slivered almonds to create a glaze.
11
Bake the loaves for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the tops and sides generously with the orange-almond glaze.
12
Return the loaves to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are a rich, shiny chestnut brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13
Cool completely on wire racks before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.0g13%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 150mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 38.0g13%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 12.0g
Protein 5.0g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: greek, tsoureki, easter, bread, braided, yeast, orange, mastic, holiday, dessert, enriched, traditional, baking, spring, celebration, aromatic, soft, sweet

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/greek-tsoureki-easter-bread/