Let’s face it — dining out may be back, but it’s often an expensive proposition. When you’re craving Greek fare, why not try recreating some of your favorite restaurant dishes at home? You’ll likely be impressed with the results, and your wallet will thank you. Read on for a selection of recipes that will have you and your guests saying “Opa!”
Greek Bruschetta
This clever mash-up gets the meal off to a delicious start, a recipe that combines classic bruschetta with the flavors of a traditional Greek salad. Its creator notes that every bite is, “a little flavor bomb.”
Recipe: Cooking with Ayeh
Spicy Greek Feta Dip (Tyrokafteri)
Once you try this classic appetizer, you may never opt for hummus again. This tangy alternative, delicious slathered on a pita, is built around the classic feta cheese, enlivened with a bit of hot pepper, Greek yogurt, and olive oil.
Recipe: Gypsyplate
Related: Old-Fashioned Dips That Are Surprisingly Delicious
Easy Vegan Falafel
This healthier spin on the classic fried chickpea “meatball” is ideal for the home cook, using canned chickpeas, along with herbs and spices, and sautéed in a skillet instead of deep-frying.
Recipe: Minimalist Baker
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Tzatziki
It’s a rare Greek meal that doesn’t include some tzatziki on the table. This make-at-home version of the classic yogurt-and-cucumber dip (aka spread) yields a cool dish that’s rich and creamy. Ideal for topping almost any Greek dish, you’ll likely find yourself spreading any leftovers on your boring old sandwich the next day.
Recipe: Love & Lemons
Related: Where to Find Great Greek Food in Every State
Greek Lemon and Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)
Every culture has its classic chicken soup recipe, and the Greek version is a rich and hearty dish that gets an unexpected zing from the addition of lemons. Ready-made chicken broth and shredded cooked chicken add to the ease of preparation here, with a creamy and satisfying result guaranteed.
Recipe: Allrecipes
Related: 30 Easy Soup Recipes That Last for Days
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Easy Greek Spinach Pie for Beginners (Spanakopita)
Store-bought phyllo pastry is the key to this easy-to-make version of the classic spinach pie, one that combines spinach and feta with the intense flavors of onions, dill, and nutmeg. It can be on the table — dinner, lunch, or brunch — in an hour, making it a last-minute option, as well.
Recipe: My Greek Dish
Related: Delicious Savory Pies From Around the World
Best Greek Salad
This version of the Greek salad known as horiatiki features simple ingredients — cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta — and a straightforward dressing that combine to add a decidedly refreshing note to any meal.
Recipe: Delish
Greek Beef Pasta Bake (Pastitsio)
This classic dish is all about the layers. Think a base of pasta flecked with feta cheese, topped with a robust meat sauce that features red wine, cinnamon, and clove, and, finally, a thick layer of cheese sauce capping it off. Sound like a lasagna? Well, pastitsio is indeed considered the Greek version of the classic crowd-pleaser.
Recipe: Recipe Tin Eats
Related: Italian Dishes Made Cheaper at Home
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Easy Eggplant Moussaka
Another casserole-style Greek dish is moussaka, a hearty offering that traditionally features eggplant along with beef, potatoes and (yet another delicious) cheese sauce. This recipe can be customized with different meat, and spices or adding your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Recipe: Feel Good Foodie
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Easy Chicken Souvlaki
Take your everyday grilled chicken to the next level with this Greek spin that can be prepared on the grill or a stovetop grill pan. The secret is in the marinade, which features lemon juice and zest, olive oil, honey, and vinegar along with several seasonings. Serve with a Greek yogurt sauce and a mix of cucumber, tomato, and kalamata olives.
Recipe: Healthy Fitness Meals
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Forget your everyday roasted potatoes. This recipe takes the spud on a tangy Grecian trip, offering a memorable bite of crispy potato wedges braised in a lemon-garlic broth.
Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen
Greek Baked Beans (Gigantes Plaki)
A vegetarian main or a tasty side dish, this bean dish offers comforting and buttery flavors. Oversized butter beans are prepared in a chunky tomato sauce featuring extra virgin olive oil for a dish that’s both quite simple and richly satisfying.
Recipe: The Mediterranean Dish
Greek Orange Phyllo Cake (Portokalopita)
Billed as a “super, simple traditional Greek dessert” that falls under the “siropiasta” category — meaning soaked in syrup — this meal-ender is a custard-like dish that’s prepared without flour in a food processor or blender.
Recipe: Olive & Mango
Greek Baklava
Layers of phyllo dough, honey, and nuts are the stalwarts of this classic Greek dessert, one that may look elaborate but is actually easy to make at home. Nearly 2,500 reviewers have given this version 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Recipe: Allrecipes
Greek Frappe Coffee (Iced Coffee)
Some call frappe “the Greek national drink” and once you’ve sipped this heady iced coffee, you’ll know why. Ideal during warmer months — but equally enjoyable on chillier days — this drink is traditionally made with an electric milk frother but a classic cocktail shaker will also do the trick. Instant coffee, sugar, milk, water, and ice cubes will set you on your way.
Recipe: My Greek Dish
Related: Coffee-Laden Desserts That Are Perfect for Cold Days
