Vasilopeta (Greek New Year'S Bread) Recipe

Name: Vasilopeta (Greek New Year'S Bread)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 packages active dry yeast; 1/2 cup water (105 - 115degreesF); 2 cups warm milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 10 -11 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 4 large eggs, plus; 3 egg yolks; 1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted; 1 teaspoon fresh-grated lemon, rind of; 1 large egg, beaten with; 2 tablespoons water

Servings: persons

2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup water (105 - 115degreesF)
2 cups warm milk
1 teaspoon salt
10 -11 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs, plus
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 teaspoon fresh-grated lemon, rind of
1 large egg, beaten with
2 tablespoons water

1
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, add milk and salt.
2
Stir in 3 C flour, batter will be lumpy.
3
Let rise in a warm place about 90 minutes till double in volume.
4
Mix in sugar, eggs, yolks, butter and lemon peel.
5
Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough (7-8C).
6
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5- 10 minutes till smooth and elastic.
7
Shape into a ball and place in large greased bowl,turning to bring greased side up.
8
Cover and let rise till doubled, about 60-70 minutes.
9
Punch down dough and knead 1-2 minutes; let rest 10 minutes.
10
Grease 2 bread pans.
11
Cut dough into 2 equal pieces.
12
Cut one piece into 3 equal pieces and roll each into a 15 inch cylinder.
13
Braid the 3 cylinders, pinching the ends to seal.
14
Tuck ends under and place in prepared pan.
15
Repeat with remaining half of dough.
16
Cover loaves and let rise till double in volume, about45 minutes.
17
Heat oven to 350, brush top of loaves with beaten egg, and bake 45- 50 minutes till bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
18
If bread seems to be getting too brown after 20 minutes or so, cover them loosely with foil.
19
Remove from oven and cool on wire racks 5 minutes.
20
Remove loaves from pans and cool completely.

1668

kcal

Calories

Fat

249

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 packages active dry yeast, 1/2 cup water (105 - 115degreesF), 2 cups warm milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and more.

Yes, Vasilopeta (Greek New Year'S Bread) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Vasilopeta (Greek New Year'S Bread)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions