Greek Stuffed Bread Rings with Tomato Sauce & Cheese

These Greek stuffed bread rings with tomato sauce and melted cheese are soft, golden, and full of flavor! With a light homemade dough, fragrant tomato-thyme sauce, and a gooey cheese center, they’re a creative twist on the classic koulouri — perfect for snacks, parties, or kids’ lunches.

Greek Stuffed Bread Rings with Tomato Sauce & Cheese

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SnackCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

240

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

Soft and fluffy bread rings topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. A fun, delicious snack that’s easy to make and perfect for all ages!

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Ingredients

Metric US

• For the Dough

• 400 g 1 3/4 cup Lukewarm Water

• 40 g 3 tbsp Sugar

• 16 g 0.56 oz Dry Yeast

• 750 g 6 cup All-purpose Flour

• 50 g 1/4 cup Olive Oil

• 10 g 2 tsp Salt

• For the Sauce

• 150 g 2/3 cup Tomato Juice

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp Thyme

• Salt and Pepper

• 30-40 g 3 Olive Oil

• For Assembling

• 250 ml 1 cup Hot Water

• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Sugar

• 100 g 3/4 cup Sesame Seeds

• 250 g 2 cup Melting Cheese, grated

Recipe directions

• For the Dough
• In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to activate.
• Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Grease the bowl lightly with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
• In another bowl, mix the hot water and sugar; set aside.
• For the Sauce
• Mix the tomato juice, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl.
• Assembling
• Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 12 equal balls.
• Dip each dough ball briefly into the warm sugar water, then roll in sesame seeds.
• Press the center of each ball with a small glass or lid to form a hollow “nest.”
• Place the rings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Add 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce to the center of each one.
• Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–22 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

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The Perfect Savory Greek Snack

If you love soft bread, gooey cheese, and tomato sauce, these Greek stuffed bread rings (koulouria) are the perfect snack for you! Inspired by the famous koulouri Thessalonikis, this version adds a delicious twist — a cheesy tomato filling baked right in.

They’re incredibly easy to make, using simple pantry ingredients. The result? A batch of golden, soft bread rings with a crispy sesame crust and a warm, cheesy center that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality olive oil for flavor and a soft texture.
• Don’t skip the sugar water step — it helps the sesame seeds stick and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Try different cheeses like mozzarella for stretch or kasseri for Greek authenticity.

Serving Ideas

These savory rings are perfect for breakfast, school snacks, picnics, or as a party appetizer. Serve them warm or at room temperature — they’re just as delicious either way.

For a fun variation, fill the centers with:

• Olive tapenade or pesto instead of tomato sauce
• Crumbled feta and oregano for a Greek-style version
• Caramelized onions and cheese for extra flavor

Warm, soft, and bursting with flavor — these stuffed bread rings will become your go-to snack recipe!

Check these recipes

• Crispy Potato Fritters with Cheese and Bacon
• Individual Greek Spinach Pies with Feta
• Soft & Fluffy Cheese-Stuffed Bread Rings