Gyro Loaf with Tzatziki Sauce
Imagine the rich aroma of seasoned lamb and beef baking in your kitchen, filling the air with hints of garlic, oregano, and cinnamon. This homemade gyro loaf is a fantastic solution to recreate the magic of Greek street food without leaving your home! Serve it in warm pitas or flatbreads, accompanied by a cooling, creamy Tzatziki sauce, and let your taste buds transport you to a bustling Greek marketplace. Here’s how you can craft this gyro loaf masterpiece, complete with authentic flavors and a low-carb twist.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Gyro Loaf | |
| Ground lamb | 1 lb |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | ¾ tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¾ tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/8 tsp |
| Ground allspice | 1/8 tsp |
| For the Tzatziki Sauce | |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, finely grated | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh dill, chopped | ¼ tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 354.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 460.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 21.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Gyro Loaf
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb and ground beef. Add the dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ground pepper, thyme, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Using your hands or a spatula, mix everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking pan, shaping it into a freeform loaf about 1 ½ inches high to ensure even cooking. Press down lightly to compact the mixture into a dense loaf, which will make it easier to slice later.
-
-
Bake the Gyro Loaf
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The loaf should have a browned crust on the outside and reach an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C). If necessary, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.
- Once done, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for about 30 minutes if you prefer firmer slices.
-
Slice the Loaf
- When the loaf has cooled sufficiently, use a sharp knife to slice it as thinly as possible, ideally aiming for slices no thicker than 1/4 inch. Thin slices mimic the traditional shaved gyro meat, allowing for a tender texture and better absorption of the Tzatziki sauce.
-
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- While the loaf is cooling, prepare the Tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, grated cucumber, garlic powder, salt, chopped parsley, and dill.
- Mix well until all ingredients are blended, and then refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
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Serving Suggestions
- For an authentic experience, serve the sliced gyro loaf in warm pita bread or flatbread with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Add a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce to each serving.
- Alternatively, this gyro loaf makes an excellent main course when paired with a fresh Greek salad, pasta salad, or even a classic potato salad for a hearty meal.
This gyro loaf, perfect for lovers of Greek flavors, offers all the satisfaction of a traditional gyro while keeping carbs to a minimum. With its seasoned, tender meat and cool Tzatziki sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
