The Secret to Perfect Greek Tsoureki (You'll Make This All Year!)

Learn how to make the softest, most delicious authentic Greek Tsoureki (Sweet Easter Bread)! 🍞 While this fluffy, citrus-scented braided bread is a traditional Easter staple in Greece, it’s so good you'll want it year-round for breakfast or a sweet treat with your coffee. In this video, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process to make the perfect dough, including the secret traditional ingredients (mahlepi and mastiha) that give it that iconic flavor. 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE for more delicious recipes! [Insert your channel link] ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Greek Tsoureki 0:45 - Activating the Yeast 1:30 - Mixing the Wet Ingredients 2:15 - Adding Flour & Kneading the Dough 4:00 - The First Rise 4:30 - How to Braid the Bread 5:45 - The Second Rise & Egg Wash 6:30 - Baking Instructions 7:15 - Final Result & Taste Test! 📝 INGREDIENTS: 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 1 cup warm milk ¾ cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 3 large eggs (at room temperature) ½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled Zest of 1 orange 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt 1 tsp mahlepi (optional but traditional) ½ tsp mastiha, crushed (optional) 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1 more cup if needed) Egg Wash: 1 egg 1 tbsp milk Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds or sliced almonds 👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, butter, orange zest, vanilla, salt, mahlepi, and mastiha until smooth and combined. Add it into the yeast mixture and lightly whisk until combined. Lastly, with the dough hook attachment, slowly add the flour to the mixing bowl and mix for 6-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable. If the dough is still sticky after you add 4 cups, add a little more (about 1/3 cup at a time). The dough should not be sticking to the side, but not too hard. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½–2 hours until doubled in size. Divide into 3 strands and braid them together, tucking the ends underneath. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let the loaf rise again in a warm spot in your kitchen for 30–45 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle toppings on if using. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool before slicing for the best texture. #Tsoureki #GreekFood #EasterBread #Baking #SweetBread #GreekRecipes