Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Then prepare yourself, because I’m diving headfirst into the world of Greek baked goods! From fluffy flatbreads to crusty, herby loaves, I’ve compiled a list of 12 traditional Greek bread recipes that will transport you straight to a sun-soaked taverna.
1. Greek Sesame Bread Rings (Koulouri Thessalonikis)
The texture of these cute, gorgeous sesame bread rings reminds me of a huge soft pretzel. They provide a fantastic, crispy bite on the outside because of the sesame seeds, but their cores are delicate and chewy.
They’re also fun to eat! I mean, who doesn’t love noshing on foods fashioned like rings?!
I can imagine them served plain or with butter, or perhaps with savory additions like olives, caramelized onions, or feta. Also, you can treat them more like sweet bagels, eating them with honey, flavored cream cheese, or other sweeter toppings.
2. Feta Bread Rolls (Tiropsoma)
These no-knead rolls are brimming with feta and flavor, also, they’re amazingly crusty. Can you believe they’ll only take five minutes to prep, with about 30 minutes of baking time? (The rising process lasts from one to two hours.)
Their interiors are so delicate and fluffy, and they boast a gorgeous golden-brown hue. They are excellent as dinner rolls and complement proteins, salads, and soups.
I think their texture is also ideal for dipping into wine, salad dressing, soup, or practically any other liquid.
3. Greek Easter Bread
Greek Easter bread, sometimes referred to as Tsoureki bread, is another well-known holiday bread option in Greece. It resembles brioche bread in terms of flavor and texture, but I think it’s set apart by the whole boiled eggs.
Since the loaf is huge and needs a lot of time and care, people typically only bake it once a year.
It’s really pretty; the dough is braided and contains yeast with just a hint of sweetness. I think it also has brightly colored red Easter eggs dotting the dough.
It looks breathtaking and will garner praise from everyone who sees it, and it also tastes just as great as it looks.
4. Easy Greek Olive Bread
For beginner bakers, this loaf is the simplest choice. You won’t need to knead the dough, and it only requires one rise instead of the usual two.
Just mix the ingredients in a bowl, let the dough rise, then cook it in a skillet on the stove. I appreciate that it’s so quick and easy to make, and the flavor comes out so fantastic, especially with the Kalamata olives and oregano.
Pro Tip: Add a little feta cheese for an even more strong flavor.
5. Lagana Flatbread
In Greece, Lagana flatbread is served only once a year at the start of Lent, yet it tastes so amazing I know you’ll want to enjoy it all the time. The loaf has a wonderfully crispy, golden-yellow outside with a soft, fluffy, and airy interior.
The tahini and white wine give it a rich, pleasant flavor and an amazing fragrance. It’s also a vegan flatbread that works wonderfully for any holiday requiring fasting.
6. Greek New Year’s Bread (Vasilopita)
Finally, there’s Greek New Year’s bread, also called vasilopita, which I think is easily the most appealing loaf of bread here, featuring its deep chestnut color, pillowy white insides, and sesame seed topping. Those sesame seeds and crispy bread edges add a satisfying crunch to each bite, and the loaf is as soft as a cloud on the inside.
With the addition of sugar and orange zest, its scent and flavor are remarkable, and I’m positive you’ll enjoy it more than just on New Year’s. After trying it once, you’ll be inspired to bake it frequently.
7. Ladenia
Ladenia, a Greek bread that resembles a pizza or delicious tart more than it does a loaf of bread, is very impressive. But despite appearances, it definitely qualifies as amazing bread.
I think you can prepare this flatbread using just five ingredients: plain flour, olive oil, salt, yeast, and water. I believe what sets it apart from other loaves is all the toppings that get piled on top.
You’ll utilize tomatoes, onions, olive oil, sea salt, and oregano to create a flavorful, herby bread boasting a unique texture and a superb taste. I find it soft, airy, and simple to rise. When you try it just once, I know you’re guaranteed to bake it again soon.
8. Greek Feta Bread (Tiropsomo)
At first glance, this feta bread might seem rather thin and flat. However, it makes up for its lack of thickness with its delightfully soft consistency and tangy feta flavor.
I appreciate that it is incredibly easy to prepare, calls for fewer than ten ingredients, and provides simple, easy-to-follow instructions. While it tastes fantastic on its own, I can imagine adding caramelized onions, herbs, or peppers to the filling to customize the flavor to my preferences.
9. Greek Village Bread
You’ll find that village bread is one of many rustic types of bread while browsing Greek bread recipes. It has a somewhat sourdough-like flavor and a thick, yeasty texture.
Although creating two round loaves takes a little over an hour, you’ll just need seven simple ingredients. I think it tastes fantastic when eaten warm with a bit of butter or served with a rich, brothy soup, as its texture is suitable for soaking up liquid.
10. Psomi Spitiko
Psomi spitiko literally means “homemade bread” in English, so I find that, while the name might sound fancy and elaborate, it actually isn’t. The name is truly fitting because this bread is simple and homemade, which I think is what makes it so good.
I can see how its warmth, softness, and coziness are reminiscent of coming home. You’ll need a little over an hour to create, rise, and bake it, and you’ll also just need five ingredients (plus sesame seeds, should you want them) to make two loaves.
11. Greek Pita Bread
This soft, fresh pita bread is a real treat for the senses, and I love how it smells, tastes, and feels. I can imagine employing it for gyros or dipping it into a creamy, herby hummus.
I believe you can even smear it with peanut butter and create a sandwich. I appreciate that you can make this in under 40 minutes with just five vegan-friendly ingredients. I don’t think it gets much simpler.
12. Greek Bread With Oregano and Olive Oil
This dark brown Greek bread has black specks strewn across it, leading some people to believe it’s burnt; that is, in fact, exactly how it should look! I find this to be an interesting bread in every way.
For starters, its unique appearance is just one component of its appeal. But the unbeatable texture, like a cracker on the outside and soft and pillowy inside, is really the selling point for me.
And the taste is truly complex. With ingredients such as honey, sugar, olive oil, and oregano, the complex flavor profile has a sweet and savory quality that is incredibly addictive.