Have you ever started your morning with the smell of freshly baked bread? Koulouri Thessalonikis is a beloved Greek street food, famous for its crunchy sesame crust and soft, fluffy inside. Simple ingredients, timeless flavor, and perfect with coffee or tea — this recipe brings the authentic taste of Greece straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
500 g all-purpose flour
7 g dry yeast (1 packet)
250 ml lukewarm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
100 g sesame seeds
Instructions
Activate the yeast
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until you get a soft, smooth dough (about 8–10 minutes).
First rise
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the rings
Divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form into a ring, sealing the ends well.
Coat with sesame
Lightly dip each ring in water, then roll generously in sesame seeds.
Bake
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Tip:
Enjoy your koulouri plain, or pair it with cheese, olives, or honey for a traditional Greek breakfast experience.