What are some traditional Greek appetizers to try?
Savor the Flavor of Greece with these Delicious Appetizers!
If you want to impress your guests with some authentic Greek cuisine, these appetizers are just perfect! Bursting with flavor and easy to make, they’re the perfect way to start any meal. From tangy goat cheese to crispy phyllo pastry, these recipes will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip
- 1 red pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place the red pepper on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast until the skin starts to bubble, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. In a food processor, mix the roasted pepper, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Serve with pita chips or slices of warm bread.
Spanakopita Bites
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz. fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 12 sheets phyllo pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the dill, parsley, salt, pepper, and feta cheese. Brush a muffin tin with melted butter. Lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter again. Cut the pastry into 6 equal squares. Place one square into each muffin cup, folding over the edges to create a cup shape. Repeat with the remaining pastry sheets. Fill each cup with the spinach mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 lb. ground lamb
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, mint, parsley, onion, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Serve the meatballs with the tzatziki sauce on the side.
Grilled Halloumi Skewers
- 12 oz. halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the halloumi cheese, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating the ingredients. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is lightly charred and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot.