Greek Style Brunch Bread Recipes

GREEK BREAD RECIPE (VILLAGE BREAD/ HORIATIKO PSOMI)

Steps:

• To prepare this easy Greek bread recipe, start by adding in a large bowl the water, yeast and sugar. Use a fork to completely dissolve the yeast in the water. Set aside for about 5 -10 minutes to activate the yeast. Note: if you don't have fresh yeast substitute for dried - just use one third of the quantity stated.
• Add half the flour a little bit at time whilst mixing with a spoon. Add the olive oil and salt and the rest of the flour and mix with a spoon until all the flour has been absorbed. At this point the dough should be sticky on your hand.
• Knead the dough a little bit with your hands until it's elastic and form into a ball. Place the dough inside a lightly oiled large bowl and cover with cling film.
• Let the dough rise at room temperature for 10-12 hours (or overnight).
• Deflate the dough. Sprinkle semolina on a large working surface and transfer the dough on the surface. Using a sharp knife divide the dough in 2 equal pieces. (This Greek Bread recipe makes 2 loafs of bread).
• Knead each piece of the dough with your hands just enough to have a nice and smooth dough that doesn't stick too much on your hands (for about 3 minutes). Sprinkle the dough with semolina (2-3 tbsps) when kneading the dough.
• Form 2 round loafs and place inside a casserole dish or clay pot with a lid. Score the top of each loaf using a sharp knife. Place the lid on the casserole dish.
• Preheat the oven at 250C/ 480F. Bake for 20 minutes with the lid on and another 15 minutes or so with the lid removed, until nicely coloured and crusty.

GREEK-STYLE BRUNCH BREAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Bisquick mix, the cheese, basil and oregano; set aside.
• In large bowl, stir remaining ingredients until moistened. Spread batter in pan; sprinkle with cheese mixture.
• Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. To serve, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows. Serve warm.

HOW TO MAKE EASY GREEK EASTER BREAD - STEP BY STEP

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium low heat add the butter, the sugar and the milk. Cook for a few minutes, until the butter is melted. Add the zests, remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the orange juice.
• In a glass measuring cup, mix the warm water, the sugar and the yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes, until it bubbles and the yeast is activated.
• Beat the three eggs and add them to the reserved butter/milk mixture.
• Sift the flour, mahlepi (and mastic if using) and place in the bowl of a stand mixer. To the dry ingredients, add the reserved butter/milk mixture and the yeast mixture. Mix to form a soft and pliable dough, adjusting the flour as necessary. Rub the surface with the oil and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for two hours.
• Punch the dough down and divide it into four equal portions. Divide each portion into three balls. Cover the rest and work with three balls at a time: Roll each ball into a 10"-12" long log. Pinch the top ends of the logs together and then braid the logs. When you get to the end, pinch the bottom ends together. Tuck the top and bottom ends underneath the dough. Place braided loaf on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat steps with the remaining dough. Let the bread rise at room temperature for an hour.
• Pre-heat oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining egg and milk. Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg/milk mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced almonds. Bake (in batches) for 20-25 minutes. Allow the bread to cool completely before serving.

GREEK EASTER BREAD

Steps:

• Mix 2 cups flour and yeast together in the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Stir milk, butter, sugar, and salt together in a saucepan; heat and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and the temperature is between 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) to 100 degrees F (37 degrees C).
• Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, add eggs, and beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to high and beat for 3 minutes more. Add 1 cup flour and 3 tablespoons orange juice to the mixture; mix on high for 3 minutes more.
• Fit the mixer with a dough hook. Add remaining flour to the mixture; beat with dough hook until the flour is completely incorporated.
• Grease a glass bowl. Put dough into the bowl. Let dough rise until doubled in volume, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Punch dough down. Divide the dough into two halves. Split each half into three even pieces, roll each piece into a cylinder, and braid into loaves. Put loaves onto a baking sheet. Let rise, about 1 hour.
• Bake in preheated oven until the middle is baked, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Stir confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon orange juice together in a bowl; brush onto the tops of the loaves.

GREEK GARLIC BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Slice the loaf of French bread horizontally through the middle so that you have two"boats".
• Place bread on jelly roll pan, or in other large casserole dish, cut sides up.
• (Or you can place bread in a"boat" made out of foil, for the grill).
• Combine all ingredients, including garlic salt and seasoned salt to taste.
• (I use liberal amounts).
• With spatula, spread each half of the French bread with the mixture.
• Bake for 15 minutes.

GREEK SALAD ON ROASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Mix the dry package of Idahoan Roasted Garlic Potatoes with the butter until blended. Slice the French bread length wise and generously spread with the roasted garlic mixture. Toast under the broiler until butter spread is melted and toasted on top. (You can also grill the Garlic Bread--see footnote.)
• Greek Salad: Drain onion from ice water and pat dry with paper towels. In a large bowl combine all salad ingredients, except cheese. Top the French bread with the Greek salad and sprinkle cheese over top. Serve with Tzatziki sauce.
• Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Stir until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

GREEK TABLE BREAD

Steps:

• INSTANT YEAST: Put the flour in a bowl. Make a well in the middle. Put the yeast and the honey in the well. Pour water over.
• ACTIVE YEAST: Mix honey, water, and yeast, set aside to proof. Put the flour in a bowl. Make a well in the middle. Put the yeast mixture in the well. Pour water over.
• Mix slightly. Cover and put in a warm place for 15 minutes.
• Knead, adding the salt and oil, to a smooth elastic dough. Cover and put in a warm place for 15 minutes.
• Knead thoroughly and place on a baking sheet. Cover and put in a warm place for 15 minutes.
• Put in a cold oven and turn oven on to 375 degrees F. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
• Let cool 20 minutes before slicing.