19+ Greek Orthodox Easter Bread Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

One of the most beloved traditions in the Greek Orthodox Church is the celebration of Easter, and no Easter feast is complete without the delicious and symbolic Greek Orthodox Easter bread. This sweet, braided bread is known as "Tsoureki" and is a staple in every Greek household during this special holiday. The preparation of this bread is steeped in tradition and is a true labor of love. Let's dive into the history and recipe of this beloved Easter treat.

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Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread

Main Ingredients: Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Bread Flour, Salt, Mahleb

Greek Easter Bread - Traditional Tsoureki Recipe | Kitchn

tsoureki (greek easter bread) | cait's plate

Greek Easter Bread Recipe (Tsoureki Bread) - Savoring Italy

Living in Hydra.: Tsoureki, the traditional Greek Easter sweet bread

Tsoureki is a traditional Greek Easter bread that is a must-have during the holiday season. Made with a sweet dough and flavored with orange zest and spices like cardamom and mahleb, this bread is perfect for serving alongside your Beer Can Chicken. Its rich and buttery flavor complements the smoky taste of the chicken perfectly, making it a must-try recipe.

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Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Yeast, Salt, Milk, Butter, Sugar

If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Tsoureki, then this easy Greek Easter bread recipe is for you. Made with store-bought pizza dough, this recipe is a great way to create a shortcut version of the traditional bread. Simply add your own spices and flavors to make it your own, and you'll have a delicious bread to serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken.

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Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread

Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Sugar, Mahlepi, Unsalted Butter, Milk, Dry

If you want to stick to the classic recipe, then this traditional Tsoureki recipe is a must-try. Made with a combination of milk, butter, and eggs, this bread is rich and decadent. The addition of mastiha, a resin with a unique flavor, adds a unique twist to the bread that will have your guests asking for more.

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Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread

Main Ingredients: Flour, Dry Yeast, Sugar, Baking Powder, Unsalted

For a more authentic taste, try making Tsoureki using a traditional recipe passed down through generations. This recipe uses a starter dough made with yeast, flour, and water, which gives the bread a soft and fluffy texture. The addition of sesame seeds on top adds a nice crunch to the bread, making it a perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken.

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Easy Greek Easter Bread

Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Milk

Greek Easter Bread Recipe | Wanderzest

Kitchen Stories: Traditional Greek Easter Bread

Quick Greek Easter Bread Recipe | CDKitchen.com

If you're new to making Tsoureki, then this recipe is a great place to start. With helpful tips and tricks, this recipe will guide you through the process of making a delicious Greek Easter bread. The bread is brushed with a honey and orange glaze, giving it a shiny and flavorful crust that is sure to impress.

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Greek Easter bread – Tsoureki

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Dry Yeast, Milk, Bread Flour, Salt, Aniseed

Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread) | Greek easter bread, Tsoureki recipe ...

Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread - Caroline's Cooking

Take your Tsoureki to the next level with this recipe that stuffs the bread with chunks of chocolate for a delicious surprise inside. The dough is also made with cocoa powder, giving it a rich and chocolatey flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the bread. Serve this alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a unique and tasty combination.

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Greek Easter bread – Tsoureki

Main Ingredients: Instant Dry Yeast, Milk, Bread Flour, Sugar, Mahlab

No Greek meal is complete without a side of delicious Greek potatoes. This recipe uses a combination of garlic, lemon juice, and oregano to create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for pairing with your Beer Can Chicken. The potatoes are roasted until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect addition to any meal.

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Greek Easter bread – Tsoureki

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Water, Red Food Coloring, Distilled White

For a simple yet delicious chicken dish, look no further than this Greek Chicken recipe. Marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, this chicken is packed with flavor and can be cooked on the grill or in the oven. Serve it alongside some Greek potatoes and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Tsoureki: A Traditional Greek Easter Bread

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar

Tsoureki - Greek Easter sweet bread | my baking saga

A refreshing and light salad is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. This recipe for Greek salad dressing is made with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a tangy and flavorful dressing. Toss it with some fresh vegetables and feta cheese for a classic Greek salad that will complement your chicken perfectly.

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Tsoureki - Traditional Greek Easter Bread (Easy + Tips)

Main Ingredients: Milk, Unsalted Butter, Orange, Sugar, Vanilla, Mahleb

Greek Easter Bread - Traditional Tsoureki Recipe | The Kitchn

Tsoureki recipe (Traditional Greek Easter bread) - My Greek Dish

Tsoureki - Greek Easter Sweet Bread - siftnwhisk

Add a touch of Greek cuisine to your dinner with this traditional moussaka recipe. Layers of eggplant, ground beef, and creamy béchamel sauce come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Chocolate stuffed Greek Easter bread (Tsoureki gemisto)

Main Ingredients: Milk, Large Eggs, Eggwash, Active Dry Yeast, Bread

Tsoureki - Greek Easter sweet bread Greek Sweet Bread Recipe, Greek ...

Making chocolate stuffed Greek Easter bread #tsoureki Making Chocolate ...

For a twist on a classic Greek dish, try this recipe for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. The chicken is marinated in a lemon and herb mixture, then roasted with potatoes until golden and tender. The tangy and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the Beer Can Chicken, making it a must-try recipe.

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Greek Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Water, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dried Oregano

Greek Potatoes (super easy, so much flavor!) - Texanerin Baking

Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes – 12 Tomatoes

Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes (lemonates patates) | Olive & Mango

If you're looking to switch up your protein, try this delicious recipe for Greek Beef Stifado. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with red wine, tomatoes, and spices. The resulting dish is hearty and comforting, making it a great addition to any meal.

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Greek Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Seasoning

Easy Baked Greek Chicken - Kevin Is Cooking

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe – WellPlated.com

For a lighter side dish, try this recipe for Greek Pasta Salad. Made with a combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, this salad is perfect for a summer barbecue. The addition of feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element that pairs well with the Beer Can Chicken.

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Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - A Spicy Perspective

My Favorite Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - Meredith Rines

Best Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad - Dishing Delish

Best Greek Salad {with Avocado!} - Cooking Classy

Another tasty salad option is this Greek Orzo Salad. Made with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and herbs, this salad is light and flavorful. The addition of olives and feta cheese adds a nice salty and tangy balance to the dish, making it a great side dish for your Beer Can Chicken.

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Greek Moussaka

Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butter, Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, Ground

Greek Moussaka Recipe - Gonna Want Seconds

Easy Greek Zucchini Moussaka Recipe | Healthy Fitness Meals

For a healthier option, try making these Greek Turkey Burgers. Made with ground turkey and flavored with herbs and spices, these burgers are a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers. Serve them with some tzatziki sauce and a side of Greek potatoes for a complete and delicious meal.

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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes – Both Homers Would...

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bone, Russet Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Freshly

Greek Lemon Chicken | Recipe | Greek lemon chicken, Greek chicken and ...

Baked Greek Chicken and Potatoes - Where Is My Spoon

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes - Sarcastic Cooking

One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Little Potatoes The Country Cook - One ...

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GREEK BEEF STIFADO

Main Ingredients: Chopped Tomatoes, Cinnamon Sticks, Bay Leaves, Dried

Beef Stifado | Recipe | Beef stifado, Stew recipes, Beef

Beef Stifado - Souvlaki For The Soul

Greek beef stew with pearl onions (Stifado)

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Greek Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Barilla Rotini, English Cucumber, Grape Tomatoes, Red

Greek Pasta Salad with Cucumbers & Artichoke Hearts | foodiecrush.com

Jo and Sue: Greek Pasta Salad With Creamy Feta Dressing

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Greek Orzo Salad

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt, Freshly

Easy and Delicious Greek Orzo Salad | Healthy Fitness Meals

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Greek Turkey Burgers

Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives

Greek Turkey Burger - BBQing with the Nolands BBQing with the Nolands

Whole30 Greek Turkey Burgers With Mint Avocado Sauce - Paleo Gluten Free

Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce - Sweetly Splendid

The Symbolism Behind Greek Orthodox Easter Bread

The Recipe

Greek Orthodox Easter bread, or Tsoureki, is a sweet, enriched bread that is traditionally made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a variety of spices such as mahleb and mastiha. However, the true significance of this bread lies in its symbolism. The three braids of the bread represent the Holy Trinity, while the red eggs nestled in the braids symbolize the blood of Christ. The bread is also often decorated with a cross on top, representing the crucifixion of Jesus.

The History of Greek Orthodox Easter Bread

The Origins

The tradition of making and sharing Greek Orthodox Easter bread dates back to ancient times. In Greece, it is believed that this bread was first made by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. The bread was originally called "artos," which means "bread" in Greek, and was only made for special occasions such as Easter and other religious holidays.

The Evolution

Over time, the recipe for this bread has evolved, incorporating different ingredients and techniques. For example, in some regions of Greece, the bread is made with a special red dye made from boiled onion skins, giving it a crimson color. In other regions, the bread is made with sesame seeds or almonds for added flavor and texture.

The Tradition

Today, the tradition of making Greek Orthodox Easter bread is still strong and is passed down from generation to generation. Families gather together to make the bread, often on Holy Thursday, and it is then blessed by a priest before being shared and enjoyed on Easter Sunday.

The Recipe for Greek Orthodox Easter Bread

The Ingredients

To make this delicious bread, you will need: • 4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup warm milk • 1 packet active dry yeast • ½ cup sugar • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp mahleb • 1 tsp mastiha • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ cup melted butter • 3 eggs • 1 egg yolk for brushing • Red eggs for decoration (optional)

The Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated. 2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, remaining sugar, salt, mahleb, mastiha, and cinnamon. 3. Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. 5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes. 6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour. 7. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 3 equal parts. 8. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together. 9. Place the braided bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 10. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. 11. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 12. Brush the bread with the egg yolk and decorate with red eggs if desired. 13. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. 14. Let the bread cool before serving.

In Conclusion

Greek Orthodox Easter bread is more than just a delicious treat - it is a symbol of faith, tradition, and family. This recipe may take time and effort, but the end result is a beautiful and meaningful addition to any Easter celebration. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and continue the tradition of making this beloved bread for generations to come.