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Authentic Greek Koulouri Thessalonikis – Crispy & Golden Sesame Rings

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

Recipe by George Zolis
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: SnacksCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

240

kcal
Resting Time

40

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Authentic 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.

Κουλούρια Θεσσαλονίκης - Greek Bread Rings Koulouri Thessalonikis

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.
Κουλούρια Θεσσαλονίκης πάνω σε τραπεζομάντηλο - Greek Koulouri Sesame Rings

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.
Παρουσίαση Κουλούρια Θεσσαλονίκης πάνω στον πάγκο

These authentic Greek sesame rings are simple to make and will transport you straight to a Greek morning market with every bite.


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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make koulouri dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.

Q2: How do I get the sesame to stick well?

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.

Q3: Can I freeze koulouria?

Yes — freeze baked koulouria once cooled. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to refresh before serving.

Q4: Can I make them whole wheat?

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.