Yia Yia's Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread)

5.0
(1)

My Yia Yia made this Greek Easter bread for many years, so this is very dear to my heart. It is slightly sweet and has a soft, golden brown crust. Leftovers can be used for toast the next day. Christos Anesti!

2
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
20
Yield:
2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))

  • 6 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided

  • ½ cup butter

  • ¼ cup shortening (such as Crisco®)

  • 1 teaspoon ground mastic (Optional)

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 3 eggs at room temperature, beaten

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds (Optional)

  • ½ cup water at room temperature

  • 2 red-dyed eggs (Optional)

  • 1 egg, beaten

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (Optional)

Directions

  1. Pour yeast into a small bowl; add warm water and 1/4 cup of flour. Stir, cover with two damp kitchen towels, and leave in a warm place until bubbly, about 2 1/2 hours.

  2. Combine butter, shortening, and mastic in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

  3. Stir milk and sugar together in another saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm. Remove from heat.

  4. Pour 2 cups flour into the butter mixture and stir well. Add salt, then stir in the yeast mixture. Add 2 more cups of flour and stir well. Stir in 3 beaten eggs. Slowly add the milk mixture and 1 cup of flour and stir well. Add the room-temperature water and the last cup of flour and stir until the dough is not sticky.

  5. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 20 minutes with lightly floured hands. Form dough into a ball. Cover with damp towels and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

  6. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.

  7. Divide dough into two pieces and separate each piece into three strands. Braid each of the 3 strands together to form 2 braided loaves. Place on the baking sheets. Nestle the red-dyed eggs between the strands. Brush the dough with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle the tops with almonds and sesame seeds.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

293 Calories
11g Fat
42g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 293
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 116mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 7g
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 113mg 2%

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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