16+ Must Try Greek Appetizers For Party

When I first hosted a party with Greek appetizers, I wasn’t sure how my guests would react. I wanted something fun, flavorful, and different from the usual chips and dips. That’s when I decided to go with Greek appetizers for a party, and it turned out to be a hit! From creamy tzatziki to crispy spanakopita, these dishes are packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients.

They’re easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Plus, serving a variety of small bites gives everyone a chance to try something new. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a festive celebration, Greek appetizers bring a sense of warmth and joy to the table. Let’s dive into some of my favorite recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests!

1. Tzatziki: Creamy Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serve: 6

Tzatziki is one of the most loved Greek dips. It’s creamy, tangy, and has the refreshing taste of cucumbers and herbs. I love serving this dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled meats. It’s a great way to start off a Greek appetizer spread!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by grating the cucumber. Once grated, place it in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out the excess water.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Add the fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth.
4. Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or grilled meat!

2. Spanakopita: Spinach and Feta Pastry

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Serve: 8

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, all wrapped up in crispy, buttery phyllo dough. It’s a savory snack that’s always a hit at parties. The combination of creamy feta and fresh spinach wrapped in a crispy layer of phyllo dough makes it irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (about 10 sheets)
• 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen (if frozen, thaw and drain)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onions until soft.
3. Add the spinach and cook for a few minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture with crumbled feta, dill, salt, and pepper.
5. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Place another sheet on top, and repeat until you have 4 sheets layered.
6. Spoon the spinach and feta filling in the center of the dough.
7. Fold the sides of the phyllo dough over the filling and roll it up like a log.
8. Brush the top with olive oil and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving!

3. Tiropita: Greek Cheese Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serve: 6

Tiropita is a savory Greek pastry filled with a mixture of cheeses. It’s similar to Spanakopita but with a cheesy twist! I like to serve it as a snack or as part of a larger spread. The flaky, buttery phyllo dough combined with the creamy cheese filling is absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, eggs, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Place another sheet on top, and repeat until you have 4 sheets layered.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the dough.
5. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the filling and roll up the dough, securing the ends.
6. Brush the top with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Slice into squares and serve warm!

4. Dolmades: Stuffed Grape Leaves

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Serve: 6

Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. These little bundles are packed with flavor and make a great appetizer for any party. You can enjoy them hot or cold, making them a versatile choice for your Greek appetizer table.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar grape leaves, drained
• 1 cup rice, cooked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the cooked rice, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
3. Carefully remove a grape leaf from the jar and place it flat on a clean surface. Spoon a small amount of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf.
4. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly, like a small cigar.
5. Arrange the dolmades in a pot, layering them with lemon slices. Pour water over them until they are covered.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
7. Serve warm or cold with a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Saganaki: Fried Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 4

Saganaki is a simple but delicious Greek appetizer made with fried cheese. The cheese is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, making it an irresistible treat! I love serving it with a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of Kasseri cheese (or any firm cheese like Halloumi)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Lightly coat each slice of cheese with flour.
3. Fry the cheese slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from the pan and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

6. Keftedes: Greek Meatballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serve: 6

Keftedes are savory Greek meatballs that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These flavorful meatballs are often served with a side of tzatziki for dipping, making them a perfect appetizer for a Greek-themed party. The blend of spices, herbs, and ground meat makes these meatballs irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), chopped onion, garlic, parsley, mint, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
5. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki for dipping!

7. Hummus: Classic Chickpea Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serve: 6

Hummus is a creamy and delicious dip made from chickpeas. It’s a favorite in many Mediterranean cuisines, including Greek, and is perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables. I love making hummus because it’s simple, healthy, and incredibly tasty. The combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic creates a rich, flavorful dip that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
5. Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers.

8. Baba Ganoush: Smoky Eggplant Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serve: 6

Baba Ganoush is a smoky eggplant dip that’s perfect for spreading on pita bread or enjoying with fresh veggies. The roasted eggplant gives this dip a deep, rich flavor, while the tahini and garlic add a nice creamy texture. It’s a great alternative to hummus and perfect for your Greek appetizer spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the eggplants with a fork and roast them on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh is soft.
3. Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
4. Once cooled, peel off the skin and scoop the flesh into a food processor.
5. Add the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
8. Serve with pita bread or veggies!

9. Feta with Olives: Simple and Flavorful Greek Appetizer

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 4

This is one of the simplest and most delicious Greek appetizers you can make. Feta cheese, paired with olives, creates a perfect balance of salty and tangy flavors. You can serve this dish with crusty bread or crackers for a quick and tasty snack. It’s also a great addition to any appetizer platter.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of feta cheese
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the block of feta cheese on a serving plate.
2. Scatter the Kalamata olives around the feta.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and olives.
4. Sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired.
5. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

10. Melitzanosalata: Greek Eggplant Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serve: 6

Melitzanosalata is a delicious Greek eggplant salad made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a perfect dip for pita or a refreshing side dish for any Greek meal. The smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the eggplants with a fork and roast them on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh is soft.
3. Once cooled, peel off the skin and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
4. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.

11. Gigantes Plaki: Greek Baked Giant Beans

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Serve: 6

Gigantes Plaki is a traditional Greek dish made with giant beans baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting and hearty appetizer that’s full of flavor. The beans soak up the savory sauce, and the herbs add a lovely aromatic touch. This dish is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian-friendly Greek appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried gigante beans (or large white beans)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by soaking the gigante beans in water overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans.
2. In a large pot, boil the beans in water for about 45 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
7. In a baking dish, layer the cooked gigante beans and pour the tomato sauce over them.
8. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley!

12. Kalamari (Calamari): Fried Squid Rings

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 4

Kalamari, or fried squid, is a beloved Greek appetizer that’s crispy, tender, and full of flavor. The key to making perfect calamari is to fry it quickly to ensure the squid remains tender and juicy inside while becoming crispy on the outside. This is a great appetizer for seafood lovers!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the squid rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the squid rings in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the calamari.

13. Grilled Halloumi: Flavorful Grilled Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 4

Grilled Halloumi is a simple yet delicious Greek appetizer that features halloumi cheese, which has a firm texture that holds up well on the grill. When grilled, Halloumi develops a crispy, golden crust while remaining soft and warm on the inside. It’s the perfect addition to any appetizer spread!

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of Halloumi cheese
• Olive oil for brushing
• Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the Halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides.
3. Grill the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
4. Remove from the grill and serve warm with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

14. Feta Saganaki: Fried Feta Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Serve: 4

Feta Saganaki is a Greek dish made with fried feta cheese. The cheese is lightly breaded and then fried until crispy on the outside, while remaining creamy on the inside. It’s a simple, indulgent appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of feta cheese
• 1/4 cup flour
• Olive oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cut the feta cheese into thick slices.
2. Lightly dust each slice with flour, coating both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry the feta slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the feta from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

15. Choriatiki Salad (Greek Salad)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serve: 4

Choriatiki Salad, also known as Greek Salad, is a fresh and vibrant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. It’s refreshing, healthy, and a great side dish to complement any Greek meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
2. Add the cubed feta cheese on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

16. Loukoumades: Greek Honey Donuts

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serve: 6

Loukoumades are delicious Greek honey donuts that are light, fluffy, and coated in sweet honey syrup. These bite-sized treats are a perfect way to end your Greek appetizer spread. The crispy exterior and soft interior make them irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the dough into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
6. Remove the loukoumades from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water, and heat until warm. Pour the syrup over the loukoumades.
8. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired, and serve immediately.

Conclusion

Hosting a party with Greek appetizers for a party is a fun and delicious way to impress your guests. From creamy dips like tzatziki and baba ganoush to crispy bites like spanakopita and fried calamari, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

These recipes are easy to make and bring bold, fresh flavors to the table. I love how they create a warm and inviting vibe that makes every guest feel welcome. So, whether it’s a small gathering or a big celebration, these Greek appetizers will surely make your party unforgettable!