Being Greek, I have tried my fair share of Greek appetizers. I may also be a bit biased when I say Greek appetizers are the BEST appetizers to nosh on with some wine. Below I included the best meze to serve when entertaining from tzatziki to spanakopita to everything in between.
Greek appetizers, known as 'mezedes,' are a proud reflection of my heritage.
I grew up eating everything here and MORE like these Greek Almond Cookies.
All of these Greek appetizers are typically meant for sharing and use fresh ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Most appetizers are infused with olive oil, oregano, feta cheese and olives which makes these dishes great for pairing with lots of pita bread and wine! 🙂
The Ultimate Greek Meze Appetizer Platter
Can't decide which direction to go? Make this Greek Meze Platter, a spread that's perfect for sharing and savoring. This vibrant platter features an array of mouthwatering bites, from creamy hummus and briny olives to stuffed grape leaves and crumbled feta cheese.
Paired with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables, it's a delightful assortment that captures the spirit of Greek hospitality and culinary tradition, inviting you to indulge in a diverse tapestry of Mediterranean tastes.
Feta Cheese
Believe it or not, feta cheese itelf it considered an appetizer.
The Greeks dazzle it up by drizzling it with extra virgin olive oil and lots of oregano or thyme. By the way, make sure the feta you get comes in a whole block and sits in brine. Feta imported from Greece is THE BEST since it's super creamy rather than dry and crumbly.
Make sure to serve it with lots if grilled pita bread for dipping!
Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are the only olive served in Greece as an appetizer. They are SO delicious and really the only ones I prefer to eat. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil aand top with some herbs.
I like to serve it with some fresh pita bead and some of that creamy feta cheese on the side.
Creamy Tzatziki Dip
Ahh Tzatziki! My favorite dip ever. It's creamy, cool and refreshing so it's ideal for serving at warmer weather get-togethers with lots and lots of bread for dipping or with spanakopita (shown next). It's also served with keftedes which are greek meatballs.
Spanakopita Triangles
Spanakopita is one of the most popular Greek appetizers. My mother would make these spanakopita triangles every family gathering growing up! My yiayia would make an entire sheetpan!
They are easy to make and SO delicious!
Golden brown, crispy triangles are a harmonious marriage of earthy greens and creamy feta cheese, seasoned with spices and herbs, creating a satisfying appetizer or snack that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine.
Lamb Meatballs (Keftedes)
You're Greek party isn't set without some LAMB! Keftedes are one of the most popular types of Greek appetizers because they're hearty and pair well with tzatziki and pita bread. This recipe is made with lamb and is packed with Mediterranean flavors. Most keftedes are dry (sorry yiayia) but not these babies!
Melitzanosalata
Let's take a tasty trip to Greece with Melitzanosalata Dip, a classic Greek treat that's like sunshine in a bowl. Not really but it definitely screams summer!
This creamy dip is SO easy using roasted eggplant, zesty garlic, and a medley of aromatic herbs, all drizzled with a bit of olive oil.
I love serving it when entertaining because it's naturally vegan, gluten free and the perfect partner for pita bread or veggie sticks!
Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)
Skordalia is tough to find in the states but is definitely a favorite. It's referred to as a dip or spread that packs a punch of garlicky flavor. It's made by blending garlic, mashed potatoes, olive oil, and a dash of vinegar or lemon juice, creating a tangy, garlicky dip that's simply irresistible. You can usually find it in most Greek restaurants.
Whether you're spreading it on bread, serving it as a side with fish or using it as a dip for veggies, Skordalia has no rules.
Greek Fries with Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is definitely an appetizer on it's own. But pair it with some french fries and you've got another appetizer that's ever better!
I took feta cheese, tzatziki sauce and french fries and made Feta Fries! These crispy babies are generously topped with crumbled feta cheese and tzatziki sauce, offering a delicious combination of salty and tangy flavors. Whether you're enjoying them as a side dish or a satisfying appetizer, your guests won't complain.
Greek Shrimp Saganaki with Feta
One of my favorite classic Greek dishes hands down. It is memorable because most saganaki dishes are lit on fire tableside using a touch of ouzo or brandy! Completely optional, it's definitely a dish that will WOW your guests!
Plump, succulent shrimp are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs, garlic and a hint of ouzo (or brandy) for a special kick.
Topped with crumbled feta cheese and served with crusty bread, this dish is a flavorful and heartwarming treat that truly captures the spirit of Greek cuisine.
Grilled Greek Lamb Chops
These lamb chops are a top 5 favorite appetizer on my blog, Greek or not. They are rated so highly because of how flavorful and foolproof they are. Lamb is more pricey but you get what you pay for. I marinate them in Greek spices, olive oil and garlic before tossing them on the grill.
Lamb also pairs very well with tzatziki, I mean what doesn't?! But lamb and yogurt is known to be a classic pairing. Add some basil or mint as a garnish and serve as little lamb lollipops while your guests are waiting for their meal.
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Stuffed Greek Cucumber Cups Appetizer
These Greek Salad Cucumber Cups are my take on your classic Horiatiki Greek village salad but made bite sized! It's a refreshing appetizer that's as delightful as it is visually appealing.
Crisp cucumber cups are filled with a medley of vibrant ingredients like diced tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette.
These bite-sized gems are a burst of Mediterranean freshness, offering a taste of Greece in every crunchy, flavorful bite.
Spicy Feta Cheese Dip (Tirokafteri)
This is my take on the classic dip Tirokafteri. It's a bit simply but just as tasy. Spice up your appetizer game with Spicy Feta Dip, a zesty and creamy concoction that's sure to awaken your taste buds.
This fiery dip combines the richness of feta cheese with a kick of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a tantalizing blend of heat and tang. Perfect for dipping pita bread or veggies, Spicy Feta Dip is a bold and irresistible treat that adds a fiery twist to your culinary adventures.
Dolmadakia
This delightful finger food, known as dolmadakia or stuffed grape leaves, is a fantastic vegan or lenten dish, full of aromas from the fresh herbs. Relish these delectable bites on their own, complemented by a dollop of Greek yogurt, or elevate them to a complete meal by serving them alongside a crisp salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy!
Fried Feta
Fried feta cheese has been in my family for years. I have such great memories of my mother tossing a chunk of feta into sizzling hot olive oil. It was a delicious appetizer or Greek meze to any dinner. So pass the pita bread and let's dig in!
Greek Orzo Salad
This recipe is not necessarily an appetizer but is one that I serve all the time especially in the summer. It's fresh, bright and is made with many Greek flavors such as peppers, onions, olives and lots of creamy feta cheese!
Why not serve this with small plates for guests to enjoy with some Greek wine!?
Chicken Avogolemono Soup
My yiayia serves her avgolemono soup as an appetizer every year! It's a classic Greek dish that combines the richness of chicken broth with the zesty brightness of lemon juice and the velvety texture of eggs. It's creamy, tangy and very hearty. This soup is my go to comfort soup that I LOVE making in large batches.
Other Party Appetizers You May Like
๐ Recipe
Traditional Greek Appetizers
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Place any or all of these Greek appetizers out onto a large cutting board or platter with lots of grilled pita bread, olive oil, and wine!
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