Koulouri Thessalonikis is the ultimate Greek street food — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a generous layer of toasted sesame seeds. This authentic recipe brings the taste of Thessaloniki straight to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it plain, with cheese, or with a spread, these golden sesame bread rings are the perfect Greek breakfast or snack.
Authentic Greek Koulouri Thessalonikis – Crispy & Golden Sesame Rings
12
servings20
minutes20
minutes240
kcal40
minutes1
hour20
minutesAuthentic Greek koulouri Thessalonikis — crispy sesame rings baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or a grab-and-go snack.
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Ingredients
- For the Group
650 g 650 All-purpose Flour
350 g 350 Water
16 g 16 Dry Yeast
60 g 60 Sugar
15 g 15 Salt
80 g 80 Vegetable Oil
- For the Coating
200 g 200 Water
30 g 30 Honey
Sesame Seeds, for coating
How to make Greek Koulouri
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, water, salt, sugar, yeast, and vegetable oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 40 minutes until puffy.
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Roll each ball into a long rope and join the ends to form a ring.
- Coating
- Mix water and honey in a bowl.
- Dip each ring in the honey water mixture, then roll in sesame seeds to coat well.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C / 390°F and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
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Koulouri Thessalonikis – The Iconic Greek Sesame Bread Ring
If you’ve ever walked the streets of Athens or Thessaloniki in the morning, you’ve probably seen vendors selling warm koulouria stacked high on carts. These sesame bread rings are a staple of Greek breakfast culture, loved by kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to the traditional method for koulouri Thessalonikis.
- Crispy & Soft: Golden crust on the outside, fluffy interior inside.
- Versatile: Enjoy plain, stuffed with feta, or sliced and spread with butter, honey, or tahini.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Greek coffee or a glass of milk for a classic breakfast.
- Make a sandwich by slicing a koulouri in half and filling with cheese or cold cuts.
- Pair with tzatziki or hummus for a savory snack.
These authentic Greek sesame rings are simple to make and will transport you straight to a Greek morning market with every bite.
Related Recipes You May Enjoy
- Individual Greek Spinach Pies with Feta – Easy Homemade Dough
- Traditional Greek Zucchini Pie (Kolokithopita) – Fluffy, Easy & Never Soggy
- Fluffy Greek Cheese Pie Without Phyllo – One-Bowl Recipe, No Eggs!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
Make sure to dip the rings in the honey-water mixture generously before coating with sesame. You can also lightly press the sesame seeds in.
Yes — freeze baked koulouria once cooled. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to refresh before serving.
Absolutely! Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic version.
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
Calories240
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
6g
10%
- Sodium 350mg 15%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
40g
14%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Protein 7g 15%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.