Heavenly Greek Easter Bread Recipe for Holiday Magic

Baking this delightful greek easter bread transports me to sunny Mediterranean kitchens filled with warmth and tradition.

Memories of my grandmother kneading soft dough flood back with each gentle fold.

Fragrant spices whisper stories of generations past, blending cultural heritage into every slice.

Intricate braiding creates a gorgeous golden loaf that symbolizes renewal and celebration.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delectable experience.

Soft, pillowy textures and delicate hints of citrus make this bread irresistible.

Greek Easter Bread That Smells Like Tradition

• Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in authentic Greek Easter traditions by crafting this meaningful bread that connects generations through a delicious culinary experience.
• Festive Visual Appeal: Create a stunning braided circular bread adorned with colorful dyed eggs, transforming your kitchen into a vibrant celebration of Greek culinary artistry.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Delight in the subtle sweetness from anise seed and vanilla extract, complemented by a soft, tender texture that pairs perfectly with honey or breakfast accompaniments.

Dough Mix in Greek Easter Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating soft, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the bread.

• Milk: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Hot Water: Activates and supports yeast growth.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft bread texture.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to golden color and richness.
• Anise Seed: Provides a distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and subtle aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten structure.

• Dyed Hard-Boiled Eggs: Traditional Greek Easter decoration and symbolic element.
• Olive Oil: Used to prepare and shine the eggs.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): Adds texture and visual appeal to the bread surface.
• Egg Wash: Creates a golden, glossy exterior when baked.

Easy Greek Easter Bread Recipe – How to Bake

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab your stand mixer and pour in warm water.

Sprinkle in yeast, a touch of flour, and sugar.

Give it a gentle whisk and let it sit quietly for 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and alive.

Step 2: Create Creamy Milk Base

Warm milk in a saucepan until tiny bubbles dance around the edges.

• Butter
• Remaining sugar
• Salt

Let the mixture cool and rest for a few moments.

Step 3: Build the Dough Foundation

Pour the milk mixture into the yeast blend.

Attach the paddle and start mixing.

• Beaten eggs
• Flour
• Anise seed
• Vanilla extract

Beat until a soft, pillowy dough forms and pulls away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 4: Knead with Love

Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface.

Massage and stretch the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.

Nestle the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1½ hours.

Step 5: Shape the Bread Wreath

Gently deflate the dough and divide into three equal ropes.

Braid these ropes loosely and form a circular wreath.

Pinch the ends together and stretch to create a beautiful 10-inch ring.

Step 6: Second Rise Adventure

Cover the bread with a clean towel.

Let it grow and expand in a warm space for another hour.

Step 7: Decorate with Colorful Eggs

Massage dyed hard-boiled eggs with olive oil.

Carefully nestle these eggs into three spots around the dough.

Allow one more hour of rising time.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Brush the bread with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

Bake for 45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 9: Welcome the Celebration

Allow the bread to cool for 30 minutes.

Serve alongside honey, additional eggs, or your favorite breakfast treats.

Enjoy the festive Greek tradition!

Easter Bread Tips The Greek Way

• Handle the dough softly to maintain its delicate texture and prevent tough bread. Gentle kneading ensures a fluffy, light-textured Easter bread.
• Use warm water precisely at 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing the live cultures. Incorrect temperature can prevent proper rising.
• Insert colored eggs carefully into the braided dough before final rising to create traditional Greek Easter bread design. The eggs symbolize rebirth and celebration.
• Create loose, even braids to allow room for expansion during rising. Uneven braiding can cause unequal baking and misshapen bread.
• Cover the rising dough with a clean, dry towel to maintain consistent humidity and temperature. Moisture droplets can disrupt the bread's rising process.

Greek Easter Bread Holds Flavor After Baking

• Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and preventing it from drying out.
• Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its soft texture and rich flavor.
• Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight, then warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original softness and bring back the delicious aroma.
• Cut the bread into individual slices before refrigerating or freezing, making it easier to reheat only the amount you need.

Sweet Additions For Greek Easter Bread

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Tea: Brew a light, refreshing chamomile or Earl Grey tea with a twist of orange or lemon to complement the bread's sweet anise flavor.
• Serve with Honey Butter Spread: Whip softened butter with local wildflower honey and a pinch of salt to create a luxurious, creamy topping that enhances the bread's richness.
• Match with Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer thick, tangy Greek yogurt with honey, chopped nuts, and fresh berries to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced bread.
• Enjoy with Mastiha Liqueur: Sip a small glass of traditional Greek mastiha, a sweet herbal liqueur with pine-like notes that beautifully echoes the bread's aromatic profile.

Easy Greek Easter Bread Recipe Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Greek Easter Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Greek Easter Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Greek Easter Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, maintaining the bread's traditional flavor while creating a lower-calorie alternative for health-conscious bakers.
• Herb-Infused Greek Easter Bread: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory dimension, creating an aromatic variation that complements the traditional sweet bread profile.

FAQs

• Why are eggs used in this bread?

The eggs symbolize rebirth and resurrection in Greek Orthodox Easter traditions. The red-dyed eggs are baked directly into the bread as a cultural and religious symbol of new life.

• Can I replace anise seed if I don't like its flavor?

Yes, you can substitute anise seed with other warm spices like ground cinnamon or ground cardamom. These alternatives will provide a similar aromatic quality to the bread.

• What makes this bread different from regular sweet bread?

This bread is a special Greek Easter bread called Tsoureki, which has unique characteristics like braided shape, inclusion of dyed eggs, and traditional spices like anise and vanilla that give it a distinctive flavor profile.

• How difficult is this recipe for a beginner baker?

While the recipe requires multiple steps and some patience with rising times, it’s manageable for intermediate bakers. The key is following instructions carefully and being patient during the proofing stages.

Easy Greek Easter Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Tsoureki bread weaves traditional Greek flavors into a delightful celebration of Easter traditions. Fragrant with orange zest and mahlepi spice, this bread brings Mediterranean warmth to your holiday table.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons anise seed
• 2 to 4 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Olive oil

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, dyed red and fully dried

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by whisking it with warm water, a touch of flour, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly over 10 minutes.
2. Gently warm milk in a saucepan until edges shimmer, then remove from heat. Incorporate butter, remaining sugar, and salt. Cool the mixture for a brief moment.
3. Merge the yeast and milk mixtures in the stand mixer. Introduce beaten eggs gradually while stirring with the paddle attachment. Fold in flour, fragrant anise seed, and vanilla extract until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.
4. Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface and knead meticulously for approximately 5 minutes, creating a smooth texture. Nestle the dough into an oiled bowl, drape with a cover, and let it rest in a warm environment until it doubles in volume.
5. Deflate the risen dough and divide into three equal segments. Roll each portion into lengthy 16-inch strands. Arrange the ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, weaving them into a loose braid. Transform the braid into a circular shape, sealing the ends and stretching to create a 10-inch diameter with a central opening.
6. Shield the shaped loaf with a clean cloth and allow a second rise in a warm space until the volume dramatically increases.
7. Tenderly massage dyed hard-boiled eggs with olive oil, buffing them to a gentle sheen. Carefully nestle the eggs into predetermined spots within the dough. Return the loaf to its warm sanctuary for another hour of rising.
8. Ignite the oven to 350°F. Lovingly brush the loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Bake until the bread transforms into a golden masterpiece, producing a hollow sound when tapped.
9. Permit the bread to cool and settle for half an hour before presenting. Serve alongside additional eggs, a drizzle of honey, or complementary breakfast delicacies.

Notes

• Adapt the yeast activation temperature precisely to ensure proper rising, using a thermometer for accuracy.
• Knead the dough gently to maintain its delicate texture, avoiding overworking which can make the bread tough.
• Add sesame seeds or other toppings like sliced almonds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Experiment with alternative flavors by substituting anise seed with orange zest or cardamom for a different aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg