This Traditional Greek Ceremonial (Artoklasia) Bread with Anise is a fragrant, lightly sweet bread traditionally prepared for Orthodox Christian Artoklasia services. Soft, fluffy, and delicately flavored with anise and ouzo, these blessed loaves are often offered during church celebrations, feast days, name days, and special family occasions.
Greek Ceremonial Bread with Anise – Artoklasia
60
servings30
minutes25
minutes170
kcal1
hour35
minutesTraditional Greek Artoklasia Bread made with anise and ouzo. Soft, aromatic, and perfect for Orthodox church offerings, feast days, and special celebrations.
Ingredients
2000 g 16 cup All purpose flour
1300 g 5 1/2 cup Water, lukewarm
100 g 3.5 oz Fresh yeast
150 g 2/3 cup Seed oil
300 g 1 1/2 cup Sugar
40 g 3 tbsp Ouzo
40 g 5 tbsp Anise seeds
30 g 1 1/2 tbsp Salt
100 g 3/7 cup Icing sugar
Rose water
Extra flour for kneading
How to make the Greek Prosphora Bread
- Preparing the Sourdough Starter
- Add 1 1/2 tbsp of the sugar in a bowl. Add the fresh yeast, some water, some of the flour and mix well.
- Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Making the Bread Dough
- Transfer the sourdough to a big bowl. Add the remaining sugar, water and mix.
- Add the seed oil, anise seeds into the bowl and mix.
- Gradually add the flour while mixing.
- Add the ouzo, salt and knead for about 5 minutes.
- Set the dough aside for about 40 minutes.
- Kneading the bread
- Sprinkle some flour on a wooden surface. Transfer the dough on the floured surface and knead a bit.
- Cut four pieces of 14 oz (400 g) each. Set the remaining large piece of the dough aside.
- Knead all the dough pieces slightly and shape them into rounds.
- Place each dough into round baking pans lined with parchment paper. Press the dough gently to fit in the baking pans.
- Spray some water on the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 340 F (170 C) air. Bake the smaller pieces for 20-25 minutes and the big one for about 45-50 minutes.
- Set the bread aside to cool.
- Spray some rose water on the bread and sprinkle icing sugar on top.
Recipe video
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @georgezolis on Instagram and hashtag it with #georgezolis
Like this recipe?
Follow @gzoliskitchen on Pinterest
Γίνετε μέλος της Ομάδας μας
Ακολουθήστε τις Μαγειρικές Απολαύσεις στο Facebook
What Is Artoklasia Bread?
Artoklasia (Αρτοκλασία) is an important tradition in the Greek Orthodox Church, where five loaves of bread are blessed during a special service.
The bread symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and God’s blessings. Traditionally, the loaves are shared among the congregation following the service.
Anise-flavored Artos bread is particularly popular because of its distinctive aroma and pleasant sweetness.
When Is Artoklasia Bread Served?
This bread is commonly prepared for:
- Church feast days
- Saint celebrations
- Name days
- Family blessings
- Religious commemorations
- Orthodox Christian gatherings
It is often shared with family, friends, and church communities.
