Greek Easter is a vibrant celebration marked by a feast of flavors and traditions. This collection of 25 recipes captures the essence of Greek Easter, featuring traditional dishes loved by families for generations. From savory to sweet, these recipes offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to recreate a classic dish or try something new.
1. Magiritsa Soup
Magiritsa soup is a traditional Greek dish enjoyed during Easter. The soup primarily consists of lamb offal, which is cooked to perfection, offering a tender texture. The addition of rice thickens the broth, while fresh herbs like dill and parsley infuse the soup with aromatic flavors. The preparation of Magiritsa is often a family affair, with its roots deeply embedded in Greek culture. The soup is typically served after the midnight Easter service, providing warmth and comfort. Each spoonful offers a taste of tradition, bringing families together during this festive season.
2. Tsoureki Bread
Tsoureki is an essential part of the Greek Easter table. This sweet, braided bread is enriched with aromatic spices like mahleb and mastic, giving it a distinct flavor. The bread’s soft, fluffy texture makes it a delightful addition to any Easter meal. Traditionally, Tsoureki is adorned with red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ. It is not only a centerpiece but also a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Families often gather to enjoy slices of this delicious bread, celebrating the joy of Easter together.
3. Kleftiko Lamb
Kleftiko lamb is a beloved Greek Easter dish that embodies tradition. The lamb is slow-cooked with potatoes, herbs, and lemon, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. The dish is traditionally prepared in a clay pot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Cooking Kleftiko is a time-honored practice, often passed down through generations. The aroma of this dish fills homes, signaling the joyous celebration of Easter. Serving Kleftiko brings families together, offering a taste of Greece’s rich culinary heritage.
4. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a Greek favorite, perfect for Easter celebrations. This savory pastry features a filling of spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. The combination of the creamy cheese and earthy spinach makes for a delightful taste experience. Spanakopita is often served as an appetizer or side dish, loved by both young and old. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a must-have on the Easter table. It’s a dish that invites sharing and savoring.
5. Koulourakia
Koulourakia are traditional Greek Easter cookies known for their buttery flavor and unique shapes. These cookies are often twisted into rings or braids and glazed with a golden egg wash before baking. The aroma of Koulourakia baking in the oven is a signal that Easter is near. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of Greek coffee, offering a sweet treat to guests during the festive season. Making Koulourakia is a cherished tradition, often involving the whole family in shaping and decorating.
6. Lamb Kokoretsi
Lamb Kokoretsi is a traditional Easter dish, made from lamb intestines wrapped around seasoned offal. The skewers are grilled until crispy, delivering a rich and savory taste. Kokoretsi is a true delicacy, enjoyed by many during festive gatherings. The preparation of this dish showcases the resourcefulness and culinary skills of Greek cooks. Served with lemon wedges, Kokoretsi offers a burst of flavor, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Greek Easter. It’s a dish that brings people together, celebrating the joy of the season.
7. Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono soup is a comforting dish enjoyed during Greek Easter. This creamy soup is made with chicken, rice, and a blend of eggs and lemon juice, which gives it a unique texture and tangy flavor. The soup is often served as a starter, warming both body and soul. With its rich, velvety consistency, Avgolemono is a staple in many Greek households. Its preparation is a ritual, bringing families together as they prepare for the Easter feast. A bowl of this soup is like a warm hug from tradition.
8. Bakalarios Skordalia
Bakalarios Skordalia is a classic Greek dish enjoyed during Easter. The dish features crispy fried cod served with a thick garlic sauce known as skordalia. The combination of textures and flavors creates a memorable culinary experience. This dish is often a centerpiece during Easter meals, representing the simplicity and richness of Greek cuisine. The preparation of Bakalarios Skordalia is an art, with each family having its own unique recipe. Sharing this dish brings loved ones together, celebrating the spirit of Easter and Greek culinary traditions.
9. Moussaka
Moussaka is a quintessential Greek dish that often graces the Easter table. This layered casserole combines sautéed eggplant, spiced minced meat, and a topping of creamy béchamel sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors, showcasing the richness of Greek cuisine. Moussaka is a labor of love, requiring time and care to prepare. It is a dish that brings families together, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of Greek culture. Enjoying Moussaka during Easter is a tradition cherished by many.
10. Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a delightful Greek dessert, perfect for Easter celebrations. This treat features layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a creamy custard, all drizzled with a sweet syrup. The contrast between the flaky pastry and smooth filling is a taste sensation, offering a perfect ending to any Easter meal. Galaktoboureko is a labor-intensive dessert, often made with love and care. Sharing this dessert brings families together, creating sweet memories and celebrating the joy of Greek Easter.
11. Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a beloved Greek dish that is perfect for Easter gatherings. This baked pasta dish features layers of pasta, seasoned minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes Pastitsio a comfort food favorite. It is a dish that requires patience and precision, often bringing families together in the kitchen. Serving Pastitsio during Easter is a tradition that warms both heart and soul, offering a delicious taste of Greek hospitality.
12. Dolmades
Dolmades are a classic Greek appetizer, enjoyed during Easter celebrations. These grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. The preparation of Dolmades requires skill and patience, with each leaf carefully rolled by hand. They are often served as a starter or side dish, bringing a touch of Greek tradition to the Easter table. Sharing Dolmades during Easter is a cherished practice that highlights the importance of family and community in Greek culture.
13. Easter Roast Lamb
Roast lamb is the centerpiece of many Greek Easter feasts. This dish involves slow-roasting a whole lamb, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and garlic, until it’s tender and flavorful. The aroma of roasting lamb fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere. This dish is often served with roasted potatoes, complementing the rich flavors of the meat. Sharing roast lamb during Easter celebrates the joy of family and tradition, offering a taste of Greece’s culinary heritage.
14. Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is a classic Greek sauce that pairs perfectly with Easter dishes. Made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, this refreshing sauce adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Tzatziki is often served as a dip with pita bread or alongside grilled meats. Its creamy texture and tangy taste make it a favorite among guests. Preparing Tzatziki is a simple yet rewarding task, offering a taste of Greek hospitality. Enjoying this sauce during Easter highlights the fresh and vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine.
15. Youvetsi
Youvetsi is a comforting Greek dish that is perfect for Easter celebrations. This stew features tender pieces of lamb cooked with orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce. The dish is often baked in a clay pot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Youvetsi is a dish that brings families together, offering warmth and comfort during the festive season. Serving Youvetsi during Easter is a tradition that showcases the heartiness and richness of Greek cuisine.
16. Baklava
Baklava is a beloved Greek dessert, often enjoyed during Easter celebrations. This sweet treat features layers of phyllo pastry filled with nuts and drizzled with honey syrup. The combination of crispy pastry and sweet filling offers a delightful taste experience. Baklava is a labor of love, requiring time and skill to prepare. Sharing Baklava during Easter is a tradition that brings families together, celebrating the sweet moments of life.
17. Fasolatha
Fasolatha is a traditional Greek bean soup, often enjoyed during Easter. This hearty soup is made with white beans, vegetables, and herbs, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish. Fasolatha is considered a staple in Greek cuisine, offering warmth and comfort. The preparation of this soup is a communal activity, bringing families together. Sharing Fasolatha during Easter highlights the simplicity and richness of Greek culinary traditions.
18. Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are a vibrant part of Greek Easter celebrations. Traditionally dyed red, these eggs symbolize the blood of Christ and the joy of resurrection. The dyeing of Easter eggs is a beloved family activity, with each egg representing a unique expression of creativity. These eggs are often used in games like egg tapping, adding joy and laughter to the festivities. Sharing Easter eggs is a practice that brings families together, celebrating the renewal and hope of the season.
19. Horiatiki Salad
Horiatiki, or Greek salad, is a refreshing dish that complements any Easter meal. This salad features ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of Horiatiki make it a perfect addition to the Easter table. It is a dish that highlights the simplicity and beauty of Greek cuisine. Sharing Horiatiki during Easter is a tradition that celebrates the bounty of the season and the spirit of togetherness.
20. Melomakarona
Melomakarona are traditional Greek cookies, often enjoyed during Easter. These cookies are made with olive oil, honey, and spices, offering a rich, aromatic flavor. Each cookie is soaked in a honey syrup and topped with crushed walnuts, creating a delightful taste experience. Melomakarona are a labor of love, often prepared by multiple generations within a family. Sharing these cookies during Easter is a tradition that celebrates the sweetness of life and the bonds of family.
21. Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food that is perfect for Easter gatherings. These skewers feature marinated meat, often pork or chicken, grilled to perfection. Souvlaki is often served with pita bread and a side of Tzatziki sauce, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. The preparation of Souvlaki is a communal activity, bringing people together in celebration. Enjoying Souvlaki during Easter highlights the joy of sharing good food and great company.
22. Loukoumades
Loukoumades are traditional Greek doughnuts, often enjoyed during Easter celebrations. These golden pastries are deep-fried and drizzled with honey, offering a sweet, indulgent treat. The addition of cinnamon enhances the flavor, creating a delightful taste experience. Loukoumades are often made in large batches, bringing families together in the kitchen. Sharing these doughnuts during Easter is a tradition that celebrates the joy of togetherness and the sweetness of life.
23. Gemista
Gemista is a classic Greek dish, perfect for Easter meals. These stuffed vegetables, often tomatoes and peppers, are filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. The combination of flavors and textures makes Gemista a delightful and satisfying dish. It is often prepared in large quantities, bringing families together in the kitchen. Sharing Gemista during Easter highlights the abundance of the season and the joy of sharing delicious food.
24. Kourabiedes
Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, often enjoyed during Easter. These cookies are made with almonds and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a rich, buttery flavor. The soft, crumbly texture of Kourabiedes makes them a delightful treat. They are often made in large batches, bringing families together in the kitchen. Sharing Kourabiedes during Easter is a tradition that celebrates the sweetness of life and the joy of family.
25. Halvas
Halvas is a traditional Greek dessert enjoyed during Easter. This sweet treat is made with semolina, honey, and spices, offering a unique texture and flavor. Halvas is often garnished with almonds and cinnamon, enhancing its taste. The preparation of Halvas is a communal activity, bringing families together in the kitchen. Sharing this dessert during Easter highlights the richness of Greek culinary traditions and the joy of togetherness.