Tsoureki – Best Greek Easter Bread Recipe

The rich aroma and golden-braided beauty of Tsoureki make it one of the most beloved Greek Easter traditions. With its soft, fluffy texture and distinctive flavor from mastiha and mahlepi, this bread is not just delicious—it’s symbolic, sacred, and deeply comforting. Whether enjoyed during Easter or as a year-round treat, Tsoureki captures the essence of Greek baking with its sweet, aromatic depth and striking braided appearance.

Why This Tsoureki Recipe Is Truly Special

Unlike typical sweet breads, Tsoureki is infused with two extraordinary ingredients that define its unique flavor: mastiha and mahlepi. These aromatic additions create a slightly sweet, subtly spiced bread that’s perfect with butter, jam, or simply toasted.

• Aromatic & Unique: Mastiha and mahlepi create a flavor unlike any other—resinous, floral, and almond-like.
• Soft Yet Structured: The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a pillowy interior and golden crust.
• Symbolic Braiding: Traditionally braided into three strands to represent the Holy Trinity, making it perfect for Easter celebrations.
• Versatile & Freezable: Great fresh, toasted, or frozen for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Tsoureki

• Bread Flour: Provides strength and chew to the dough. Ideal for shaping and braiding.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast during proofing.
• Rapid-Rise Yeast: Speeds up the proofing process; blends easily with dry ingredients.
• Mahlepi: Adds a subtle cherry-almond note, essential for Tsoureki’s signature flavor.
• Mastiha: Offers a pine-like, slightly herbal aroma that defines Greek Easter bread.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Orange Zest: Adds a citrus brightness that complements the spices.
• Milk: Enriches the dough and provides a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and softness.
• Eggs: Essential for structure, color, and richness.
• Flaked Almonds: A classic topping that adds crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Don’t have mahlepi or mastiha? These alternatives will still yield a delicious loaf:

• Mahlepi Substitute: A few drops of almond extract or ground anise can mimic its nutty flavor.
• Mastiha Substitute: Omit if unavailable, or use a tiny amount of vanilla extract or fennel powder.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make it dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free bread flour blend, noting the texture may vary.

How to Make Tsoureki Step by Step

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt, mahlepi, and ground mastiha.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add orange zest, eggs, room-temperature milk, and melted butter. Mix on low speed with a dough hook until the dough becomes sticky but uniform.
3. Knead the Dough: Continue mixing until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Avoid adding more flour unless absolutely necessary.
4. First Proof: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into three equal parts, shape into balls, then roll each into a rope.
6. Braid and Rest: Pinch the tops together, braid loosely, and tuck the ends under. Place on a lined baking sheet and let rise for another 60–90 minutes until puffy.
7. Preheat and Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the loaf with a beaten egg and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
8. Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 20 minutes if browning too quickly. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
9. Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with butter, honey, or on its own.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tsoureki Every Time

• Temperature Matters: Yeast activity slows in the cold. Use a proofing drawer or warm oven (turned off) to speed things up.
• Avoid Over-Flouring: The dough should be slightly sticky. Adding too much flour can make it dense.
• Rest Between Rolling: Letting the dough rest if it resists shaping will prevent tearing and improve braiding.
• Egg Wash Magic: Gives the loaf a golden sheen and helps toppings stick.
• Freeze for Later: Slice and freeze for quick breakfasts or snacks. Toast from frozen for best results.

Delicious Ways to Serve and Adapt Tsoureki

• Pair With: Greek coffee, honey, clotted cream, or fruit preserves.
• French Toast: Use slightly stale slices for the best-ever Greek-style French toast.
• Chocolate Twist: Add dark chocolate chips or Nutella swirls before braiding.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temp before braiding and baking.
• Seasonal Variations: Add cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for a wintery twist.

The Cultural Significance Behind Tsoureki

Tsoureki isn’t just a bread—it’s a tradition rooted in Greek Orthodox Easter. The three-strand braid represents the Holy Trinity, and the addition of a red-dyed egg nestled in the braid is a popular custom symbolizing the blood of Christ and rebirth.

Though deeply tied to Easter, Tsoureki is enjoyed all year in Greek households, especially at major celebrations or family gatherings. It’s not uncommon to find modern variations filled with chestnut cream, pistachio paste, or even wrapped around savory ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for Easter or craving a taste of Greece, this tsoureki recipe brings tradition and comfort together in every sweet, aromatic bite.

Conclusion

Whether you’re honoring Greek Easter traditions or simply exploring the world of artisanal bread baking, Tsoureki offers an unforgettable experience. With its rich cultural significance, tender crumb, and beautifully braided crust, this bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a connection to heritage, family, and flavor. Thanks to its subtle sweetness and warm, aromatic profile, Tsoureki is just as delicious with a morning coffee as it is as a centerpiece for a festive meal. Now that you have the tools, tips, and step-by-step guide, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create a loaf worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tsoureki

More Relevant Recipes

• Danish Butter Cookies Recipe: These buttery, tender cookies are a holiday favorite with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their rich flavor and traditional appeal make them an excellent companion to Tsoureki for festive gatherings or gifting.
• Cranberry and Apricot Couronne Recipe: This twisted, fruit-filled yeast bread is similar in style and preparation to Tsoureki. The sweet-tart dried fruits and beautiful braided look make it ideal for brunch or holiday tables.
• Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe: A festive sweet bread with colorful sprinkles and a soft, fluffy interior. It shares Tsoureki’s enriched dough base, offering a playful, modern twist on holiday baking.

Print