Next time you need an appetizer for guests, or just a really good plate of party food, how about going Greek? Here are 15 crowd pleasing Greek appetizers that are really easy to make.
The Greeks are known for their amazing meze – that’s sharing plates to you and me. Imagine yourself sitting at a rickety wooden table below the Acropolis with an ouzo and a plate of delicious Greek nibbles. You get the idea…
A trip to Greece might be out of the question for any number of reasons right now. But hey, guess what? These very tasty appetizers also happen to make:
- perfect party food (Greece themed party, anyone?)
- finger foods for picnics
- sharing plates for a dinner party
- ‘pre-dinner and drinks’ snacks
- side dishes for a barbeque or buffet
There’s a good variety here: pies, fusion food, vegetable appetizers, and some amazing crispy bites. Enjoy!
Note: Planning a Greek themed dinner party and need ideas for mains as well? Scroll to the bottom for a few ideas!
Heaven in a pie
Everyone loves a good pie, right? No apologies for the fact that most of these Greek pies feature feta cheese!
1. Spinach and feta filo parcels with tzatziki
If you’re a fan of traditional Greek spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), you’ll love these cute little filo pies! All you do is pile lovely Mediterranean flavours in the centre of some filo pastry and scrunch it up at the top. Give them a try – they’re crispy, yummy, and much simpler than they look.
2.Feta filo pies with honey
This is a pie with a difference. A true Greek meze dish, just as perfect for sharing on a terrace at sunset as huddled around a roaring fire in the winter.
Whatever the season, you don’t want to forget a little shot of ouzo to go with it. This is an incredibly simple and delicious appetizer, but don’t just take my word for it – try it for yourself!
3. Mini mushroom filo pies
Been asked to take a plate of food to a party? These little mushroom pies are perfect. They’re crispy, delicious little bites with a burst of flavour in the middle. They also happen to be vegetarian which can be a nice accompaniment to a meat laden dinner or barbeque!
4. Tiropita (mini feta cheese triangles)
These are a mini crowd pleasing version of one of Greece’s best known snack foods – tiropita, or feta cheese pies. The best thing about these, other than how delicious they are, is that you only need 5 ingredients to make them.
Greek fusion food
It’s Greek with a Mexican or American twist!
5. Greek quesadillas
I bet you’ve never heard of Greek-Mex! The filling in these delicious vegetarian quesadillas is similar to what you’d find inside a traditional Greek spanakopita (spinach and feta pie). But it’s sandwiched between two tortillas for a yummy Mexican twist. This makes a great lunch for kids as well as a simple appetizer.
6. Greek chicken wings (or drumsticks!)
If you always go for the chicken wings first at a party, you’ve got to try these easy Greek chicken wings from the amazing blog Recipe Tin Eats. Just marinate in simple but yummy Greek flavours and bake. The best part? You only need 6 ingredients.
7. Greek nachos
Imagine a Greek salad… on top of a plate of nachos. Drizzle with tzatziki or Greek yoghurt and you have a pretty cool appetizer plate that’s just a little bit different.
8. Tortilla pinwheels
One for the kids – both little kids and big kids! These tortilla pinwheels or roll-ups are perfect for parties, picnics, or even school lunch boxes. Just grab Geek salad ingredients, chop them up finely, scatter them over tortillas with a layer of cream cheese to keep everything together. Roll up and chop into tasty pinwheels!
Delicious crispy bites
Greek finger foods that EVERYONE likes. Trust me.
9. Easy zucchini fries
Inspired by my days in Greece, these zucchini fries are made with a light and crispy tempura batter. Make a big plateful and they’ll be gone before you can say tzatziki. Speaking of which… it would be criminal to serve these without a dish of traditional Greek tsatziki sauce.
10. Halloumi fries
It’s hard to pick a favourite in a list like this with so much delicious food. But if I HAD to, these halloumi fries would be it. They’re incredibly easy and quick to make with just 3 ingredients. And trust me. EVERYONE loves them.
If you prefer little bites to halloumi chips, try these crispy halloumi bites instead. I call them life-changing for good reason!
11. Fried olives
Crispy fried olives? Yep. Try them and get your mind blown. They’re easier to make than you might think but you’ll wow the party guests every time with their crispy exterior and cheesy surprise inside.
Don’t forget the dips!
It’s not a real party without a dip… or 10. Right? But they don’t have to be complicated. Here are 3 of my favourite.
12. 5-minute roasted red pepper and feta dip
You can make this dip in literally 5 minutes. Now that’s my kind of easy dip. Just throw jarred roasted red peppers, feta, olive oil, lemon juice and a few chili flakes in a food processor and pulse. Don’t forget the pita chips (see below!).
13. Sweet red pepper and eggplant dip
One for Mediterranean diet lovers! This Greek style eggplant dip won’t win much in the good looks department, but it sure makes up for it with deliciousness. If you’re looking for a simple vegan appetizer option, this is it. May I suggest serving on crispy toast with a slice of feta cheese on top? (either ordinary or vegan cheese!)
14. Baked feta with tomatoes, peppers and olives
This baked feta makes a simple but unbelievably delicious lunch as well as an impressive Greek-style shared appetizer. I can almost make it with my eyes closed. Just throw a whole block of quality feta in a small baking dish with a pile of Mediterranean vegetables, and bake. Grab some fresh crusty bread and dig in!
15. Greek baked pita chips
Last but definitely not least! I put these homemade pita chips in the ‘dips’ section because… well, OBVIOUSLY you need them to go with your dips! They’re unbelievably easy to make. Just cut pita bread into wedges, ‘paint’ with Greek flavours and bake.
Great! But what about the main course?
OK, so you’ve got your Greek appetizers sorted. Now what about the main? If you’re planning a Greek dinner party, here are a few suggestions as to what to serve:
- For a feast fit for a (Greek) king or queen, my first choice would be this easy slow cooked Greek lamb (otherwise known as lamb kleftiko). It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and it’ll become a firm family go-to.
- My favorite Greek recipe of all time is moussaka! This is a simple version but still absolutely delicious served with a Greek salad, tzatziki and these 2-minute olive oil toasts.
- Gemista! Otherwise known as Greek stuffed peppers and tomatoes! Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
For loads more ideas, browse all my Greek recipes.
IF YOU MAKE ANY OF THESE RECIPES, LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON BY LEAVING A COMMENT AND RATING BELOW… AND DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL MY NEW RECIPES BY EMAIL!
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