Best 4 Yia Yias Tsoureki Greek Easter Bread Recipes

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With its rich, sweet flavor and soft, fluffy texture, yia yias tsoureki Greek Easter bread is a delectable treat that holds a special place in Greek culture. This braided bread, often adorned with red Easter eggs, symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and is a centerpiece of the Greek Easter celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the art of bread making, this article will guide you through the process of creating an authentic yia yias tsoureki that will impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASTER BREAD (TSOUREKI)



Easter Bread (Tsoureki) image

This whimsical bread is studded with dyed Easter eggs for a festive look.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Bread     Egg     Breakfast     Brunch     Side     Bake     Easter     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Spring     Edible Gift     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield Makes one 14" loaf

Number Of Ingredients 4

6-7 large eggs
Food coloring (optional)
Master Sweet Dough
All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Steps:

  • Place 5 or 6 eggs in a medium pot. Pour in cold water to cover by 1" and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, cover pot, and let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer eggs to a medium bowl of ice water; let cool completely.
  • If desired, color eggs according to food-coloring package directions. Transfer eggs to paper towels to dry. DO AHEAD: Eggs can be dyed up to 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down dough. Divide into 3 equal pieces. With lightly floured hands, roll each piece on a lightly floured surface into a 16"- long rope with tapered ends. (If dough begins to bounce back, cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes to allow dough to relax.)
  • Arrange ropes side by side lengthwise on prepared sheet. Pinch top ends together. Braid dough. Pinch bottom ends together to secure (braided loaf will be about 12" long). Tuck dyed eggs between braids, spacing evenly. Loosely cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area until puffed but not doubled in size, 45-50 minutes. Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 375°F. Whisk remaining egg with 2 teaspoons warm water in a small bowl. Avoiding dyed eggs, brush dough all over with egg wash. Bake until bread is golden and an instantread thermometer inserted into center of loaf registers 190°F, 20-25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Let cool completely and store airtight at room temperature.

YIA YIA'S TSOUREKI (GREEK EASTER BREAD)



Yia Yia's Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread) image

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!

Provided by Jacolyn

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes

Time 5h40m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 16

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
1 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs at room temperature, beaten
¼ cup sliced almonds
½ cup water at room temperature
2 red-dyed eggs
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

  • 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.
  • Combine butter, shortening, and mastic in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Stir milk and sugar together in another saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm. Remove from heat.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.
  • 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.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.3 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Cholesterol 67.1 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 115.8 mg, Sugar 10.8 g

YIA YIA'S TSOUREKI (GREEK EASTER BREAD)



Yia Yia's Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread) image

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!

Provided by Jacolyn

Categories     Yeast Bread

Time 5h40m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 16

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
1 cup milk
1 cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs at room temperature, beaten
¼ cup sliced almonds
½ cup water at room temperature
2 red-dyed eggs
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

  • 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.
  • Combine butter, shortening, and mastic in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Stir milk and sugar together in another saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm. Remove from heat.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.
  • 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.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293.3 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Cholesterol 67.1 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 115.8 mg, Sugar 10.8 g

TSOUREKI (SWEET GREEK EASTER BREAD)



Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread) image

This recipe was passed down to me from my Greek aunt. Traditionally the bread was made exclusively for Easter celebrations and had red-dyed hard boiled eggs nestled in the braids of the loaf. Nowadays the bread is popular at breakfast and is served all year round, without the hard boiled eggs.

Provided by buelow

Categories     Breads

Time 37m

Yield 2 loaves, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup milk
4 1/2-5 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Heat milk and whisk in 1½ cups flour, sugar, and yeast.
  • Cover with plastic and let stand for ~30 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time.
  • Add another cup flour, orange zest, and salt. Then add butter, vanilla, and orange juice. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth.
  • Coat a bowl with oil and roll dough in it to coat. Cover with plastic and let rise for 1½ hour. Preheat oven to 400.
  • Make braids with the dough (2 loaves).
  • Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaves with mixture.
  • Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330.1, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 83.5, Sodium 291.6, Carbohydrate 50.4, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 13, Protein 8

### h3. Summary: - **Yia Yia's Tsiki Greek Souvlaki:** This is a classic Greek recipe for a souvlaki dish made with grilled meat, tomatoes, onions, and a yogurt-based tzatziki dipping made with cucumbers, dill, and fresh herbs. - **Authentic Greek Flavors:** The recipe emphasizes the use of fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as juicy tomatoes, tangy onions, and fragrant herbs. - **Homemade Yogurt:** The tzatziki is made from homemade yogurt, which adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the dish. - **Skewers or Pita Bread:** The souvlaki can be served on skewers or tucked into pita bread, along with the tzatziki, grilled tomatoes, and sliced onions. - **Versatile Dish:** This dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even as a quick lunch option. ### h3. Detailed Summary: - **Choosing the Right Meat:** The recipe suggests using a combination of ground meat, such as a mixture of ground chicken, turkey, and/or ground sausage, for a flavorful and juicy souvlaki. - **Preparing the Meat:** The ground meat is mixed with spices, such as oregano, paprika, and cumin, and then formed into patties or skewers. - **Grilling the Meat:** The meat is grilled over medium heat until it is fullycooked and slightly charred for added smoky flavors. - **Tzatziki Dipping Sauce:** The homemade tzatziki is made by combining yogurt, grated cucumbers, dill, fresh parsley, and minced galic. The tangy and creamy tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat. - **Assembly and Serving:** The souvlaki is assembled by skewering the grilled meat and topping it with grilled tomatoes, sliced onions, and a dollop of tzatziki. It can then be served on its own or tucked into pita bread, along with additional tzatziki and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. ### h3. Yia Yia's Traditions: - **Family Recipe:** The recipe is passed down from Yia Yia, the author's Greek grandmother, and is a cherished family tradition. - **Cooking with Love:** The recipe emphasizes the importance of cooking with love and using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a flavorful and memorable dish that can be enjoyed by family and friends. - **Simple Yet Satisfyng Dish:** The souvlaki is a simple dish to prepare, using a handful of ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal. ### h3. Notable Variations: - **Vegetarian Souvlaki:** The recipe can be easily modified to make a vegetarian version by using grilled halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms in place of the meat. - **Spices and Herbs:** The spices and herbs used in the recipe can be customized to suit personal taste. For example, adding a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika can add a bit of heat, while using different fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, can create a unique and fragrant tzatziki. - **Skewers or Pita Bread:** The souvlaki can be served on skewers or tucked into pita bread, depending on the desired presentation and serving style. ### h3. Concluding Note: Yia Yia's Tsiki Greek souvlaki is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the vibrant flavors of traditional Greek souvlaki. With its juicy grilled meat, tangy tzatziki, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family. The recipe encourages the use of fresh ingredients, homemade yogurt, and a touch of personal culinary history to create an unforgettable dish that showcases the true spirit of Greek cooking.

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