Name: Koulouri Thessalonikis Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour; 1 cup whole-wheat flour; 1 ½ tsp. salt; 2 Tbs honey; 1 tsp dry yeast; 1 cup tepid water; 2 cups water; 3 Tbs sugar; 2 cups sesame seeds

Koulouri Thessalonikis is a beloved Greek street food classic, instantly recognizable by its golden crust and generous coating of sesame seeds. This iconic bread ring is chewy and light, with just a hint of sweetness from honey and a nutty aroma that drifts through bustling city squares. With a simple ingredient list and hands-on technique, Koulouri Thessalonikis brings the heart of Greek bakeries right to your kitchen—warm, inviting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Koulouri Thessalonikis Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Koulouri Thessalonikis so memorable is the mix of straightforward ingredients that work magic together. Each component plays a vital role, whether building flavor, texture, or that unmistakable crust. Assemble these essentials and you’ll be on your way to bakery-level results at home.

Bread flour: The sturdy backbone of your rings, giving each Koulouri Thessalonikis its signature chewiness.
Whole-wheat flour: Adds subtle earthiness and extra color for a more rustic, complex bite.
Salt: Don’t skip it—this is key for balancing flavors and enhancing every bite.
Honey: A touch of Greek sweetness for depth, color, and a softer crumb.
Dry yeast: The essential ingredient for lift and lightness, creating the airy interior.
Tepid water: Make sure it’s room temperature to activate the yeast gently and evenly.
For the coating – Water: Helps the sesame adhere, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor.
Sugar: Brings mild sweetness and encourages even browning during baking.
Sesame seeds: A mountain of nutty goodness—crisp, aromatic, and absolutely essential.

How to Make Koulouri Thessalonikis

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin your journey by diluting honey in tepid water—this gentle process is the foundation for Koulouri Thessalonikis. Once the honey fully dissolves, stir in the yeast and let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy layer to appear, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to make fluffy bread magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, whole-wheat flour, and salt. Stir for a couple of minutes to distribute everything evenly. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Now, beat the dough for a solid 7 to 8 minutes—you want it smooth and springy, cleaning the sides of the bowl as your confidence (and gluten) builds.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly oil a large, clean bowl so the dough doesn’t stick and transfer your dough ball into it. Cover snugly with plastic wrap. Here’s where patience pays off! Let the dough rise in a cozy spot for 30 to 90 minutes, or until doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to a roaring 200C—nothing beats the anticipation of baking bread.

Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Coating

While your dough is rising, get the classic Koulouri Thessalonikis finish ready. In a shallow pan, dissolve sugar in 2 cups of water. Scatter sesame seeds onto another shallow dish. This two-part coating is what transforms basic dough into brilliant, photogenic bread circles.

Step 5: Divide and Shape the Dough

When your dough has doubled, lightly grease your countertop. Tip the dough out, then divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball—give each a warm little pat as you go, and think about the beautiful rings to come.

Step 6: Shape into Rings

Take each ball and gently roll it into a sausage shape, roughly the width of your palm. Then, bring the ends together to form a circle, pressing the seam lightly to seal. Each koulouri should look like a perfect bangle—uniform in size for even baking and visual joy.

Step 7: Coat and Bake

Now comes the fun! Dip each ring first into your sugar water, then into the sesame seeds, turning to ensure every surface is generously coated. Set the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as your Koulouri Thessalonikis transform into golden, slightly crackly creations. For an extra-rich dough, you can knead in 2 tablespoons of tahini.

Step 8: How to Enjoy

Serve these beauties warm, as is, or follow the ultimate Greek tradition: pair with slabs of feta and juicy tomato slices. With every bite, you’re officially transported to the vibrant streets of Thessaloniki.

How to Serve Koulouri Thessalonikis

Garnishes

Classic Koulouri Thessalonikis needs little adornment, but a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds or a quick brush of olive oil while hot out of the oven adds shine and aroma. For something special, try a dusting of za’atar or a hint of cracked pepper for a modern twist.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, these savory bread rings shine alongside sliced feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, or a briny handful of Kalamata olives. They’re also perfect for scooping up thick Greek yogurt or hummus, turning a simple snack into a satisfying light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, stack a pyramid of Koulouri Thessalonikis on a wooden board, or slice and fill with your favorite sandwich fixings—think roasted veggies, smoked salmon, or herby cream cheese. You can even use mini rings as appetizers with dips for a fun mezze spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these irresistible bread rings left, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for quick snacking or breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

Koulouri Thessalonikis freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap each in plastic or foil and stash in a zip-top bag. Stored this way, they’ll keep fresh flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw and reheat whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that warm bakery aroma, reheat your koulouri in a preheated oven at 180C for about 5 minutes. This restores the exterior crunch and makes the sesame seeds fragrant again, just like they were fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use all white flour instead of a blend?

Definitely! Using all bread flour will yield a slightly lighter texture, while the whole-wheat blend gives a heartier crumb and deeper color. Both are delicious and authentic, so choose based on your taste and pantry.

Is it possible to make Koulouri Thessalonikis vegan?

Yes it is! Simply swap the honey for agave syrup or maple syrup in the dough and you’ll have a plant-based ring with the same satisfying chew and flavor.

Why isn’t my dough rising?

Spotty rising is usually caused by old yeast or water that’s too hot or too cold. Double-check your yeast’s expiration date and confirm your water is just above room temperature, around 100F, for the fluffiest Koulouri Thessalonikis.

Can I shape the rings in advance?

Absolutely. After shaping, you can cover the rings and pop them in the fridge overnight. The next morning, bring them back to room temperature before coating and baking for that fresh-baked start to the day.

What does the sugar water bath do?

This step is the secret to getting the sesame seeds to cling beautifully and helps give Koulouri Thessalonikis their reliable golden crust. It also gives a subtle, classic sweetness to the exterior. Don’t skip it!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re nostalgic for the bustling bakeries of Greece or just craving something different at home, Koulouri Thessalonikis is pure joy in every sesame-crusted bite. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and experience this Greek favorite right from your own oven. One try and it just might become your signature bread ring!

Koulouri Thessalonikis Recipe

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Koulouri Thessalonikis is a traditional Greek bread ring coated in sesame seeds, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This recipe yields soft, chewy bread with a crunchy exterior, perfect for a snack or light meal.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 130 minutes
Yield: 10 Koulouri Thessalonikis
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast: Dilute honey in tepid water, add yeast, and let it foam for 10 minutes.
Mix the Dough: Combine flours, salt, and yeast mixture. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.
Rise the Dough: Let the dough rest for 30-90 minutes until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 200C.
Prepare Coating: Dissolve sugar in water and spread sesame seeds in a pan.
Shape the Koulouri: Divide dough, form into circles, and coat with sugar water and sesame seeds.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy with feta and tomatoes.