Greek Tsoureki with Mizithra Cheese & Fresh Blueberries – A Twist on Tradition!

If you’re a fan of sweet, soft, braided bread with a touch of tradition, this Greek Tsoureki with Mizithra cheese and fresh blueberries is the recipe you’ve been waiting for!

Tsoureki is a beloved Greek sweet bread, often enjoyed during holidays, but this version adds a luscious, creamy filling of mizithra cheese and juicy blueberries, making it a true show-stopper for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine a golden-brown braid, aromatic with hints of orange zest, mahleb, and mastic, but with a delightful twist – a filling of slightly tangy mizithra cheese, sweetened with honey, and studded with plump, fresh blueberries.

The contrast between the fluffy, slightly spiced bread and the creamy, fruity filling makes each bite a delightful surprise.

Shop the Ingredients

For the Dough

500g bread flour

70gr fresh yeast or 1 packet dry yeast

100g sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, room temperature

120ml warm milk

60g butter, melted

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 tsp mahleb (optional, for a traditional flavor)

1/4 tsp mastic powder (optional)

For the Filling

250g Greek mizithra cheese (or ricotta if unavailable), crumbled

150g fresh blueberries

2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze

1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Directions

Prepare the Dough.

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, mahleb, and mastic powder (if using).In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Filling.

In a bowl, mix the mizithra cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them.

Shape the Tsoureki.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and divide it into two equal parts, then divide every part to three equal parts.

Roll each piece into a long rope, approximately 12-15 inches in length.

Flatten each rope gently and spread a portion of the cheese-blueberry filling down the center of each.

Carefully pinch the edges to seal the filling inside each rope. Braid them together, tucking the ends under.

Final Rise.

Place the Tsourekia in a parchment-lined loaf pans top with some blueberries and cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake.

Preheat your oven to 160C (350°F).

Brush the top of the tsourekia with the beaten egg.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve.

Let the tsourekia cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!

This tsoureki is best enjoyed the same day, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Tsoureki:

1. Knead Well: Kneading the dough is key to that stretchy, soft texture.
2. Let it Rise: Be patient – allowing the dough to double in size gives the bread its signature fluffy texture.
3. Don’t Overfill: When adding the cheese and blueberry filling, use just enough to keep it from bursting open during baking.

This recipe brings together the warmth of tradition with a touch of modern flair – and it’s perfect for sharing!

Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a cozy dessert after dinner, Greek Tsoureki with Mizithra and Blueberries is bound to become a favorite.

Ready to Try It?

Head to the recipe, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible tsoureki a try. Tag us with your creation – we’d love to see how your sweet, cheesy, blueberry-filled tsoureki turns out!