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Bougatsa for Breakfast?

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axariotisxy

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Hi everyone! I’ve always loved bougatsa and usually enjoy it as a dessert when I’m in Greece, especially the custard-filled version dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. But recently someone told me that bougatsa is actually a popular breakfast item in Greece, which surprised me! Is that true?

In my experience, I’ve noticed that Greeks don’t seem to eat big breakfasts—more like coffee and maybe a pastry—so I’m curious how bougatsa fits in. Is it something people grab on the go with their morning coffee? Also, is the bougatsa eaten for breakfast the same as the one I’ve had as a dessert, or is the recipe or filling different somehow?

If anyone has a traditional breakfast-style bougatsa recipe or even tips on how it’s typically made or eaten in the morning, I’d love to hear! Would be fun to try making it myself at home.
 
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axariotisxy said:
Hi everyone! I’ve always loved bougatsa and usually enjoy it as a dessert when I’m in Greece, especially the custard-filled version dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. But recently someone told me that bougatsa is actually a popular breakfast item in Greece, which surprised me! Is that true?

In my experience, I’ve noticed that Greeks don’t seem to eat big breakfasts—more like coffee and maybe a pastry—so I’m curious how bougatsa fits in. Is it something people grab on the go with their morning coffee? Also, is the bougatsa eaten for breakfast the same as the one I’ve had as a dessert, or is the recipe or filling different somehow?

If anyone has a traditional breakfast-style bougatsa recipe or even tips on how it’s typically made or eaten in the morning, I’d love to hear! Would be fun to try making it myself at home.
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Hi! Bougatsa is very popular for breakfast in Greece, as are other handheld pies. I have lots of tips on how to make your own Homemade Bougatsa on my blog, it's very easy! The actual recipe is at the bottom of the post, but I suggest going through the post first to learn all the different tips before making it. Let me know how it goes.
 
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Absolutely—it is true! Bougatsa is a beloved breakfast pastry in many parts of Greece, especially in northern regions like Thessaloniki. It’s very common to see people grabbing a warm slice of bougatsa early in the morning from a local bakery, usually alongside a coffee. The version you’ve had—custard-filled with powdered sugar and cinnamon—is exactly what many enjoy for breakfast. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and the creamy semolina custard gives it a comforting feel.

If you’re trying it at home, look up “bougatsa me krema” for the traditional custard recipe. Serve it warm, slice it up, and dust it generously. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch!
 
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