I’ve always had a thing for Greek cuisine, so I’ve compiled a collection of 25 Greek Christmas recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Sure, some might struggle with the pronunciation, but everyone will be back for seconds!
While you might think this list of Greek Christmas recipes is a bit bread-heavy at first glance, you’ll discover a delightful array of meats, desserts, appetizers, and veggies, too. So whatever Greek Christmas treats you’re craving, you’re sure to find something here to hit the spot.
1. Kariokes
Kariokes are a total must-try if you appreciate when textures come together! At first, they feel soft and fluffy, but there’s a wonderful crunch once you sink your teeth into the walnuts tucked inside.
Decadent and yummy, you can whip up 50 of these in just 30 minutes. So, if you need something quick for a family gathering or a potluck, this recipe has you covered.
2. Greek-Style Mulled Wine
Greek-style mulled wine doesn’t just taste divine, it smells absolutely incredible, and unlike other mulled wine recipes, this one is a breeze to create.
In just 15 minutes, transform five simple ingredients: semi-sweet red wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and an orange peel, into the ideal drink pairing for your spread of Greek Christmas dishes.
3. Melomakarona
You’ll likely get your hands sticky making this classic treat!These luscious, chewy cookies are sweetened with a homemade syrup featuring honey, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon juice, and lemon rind.
In these treats, you’ll taste hints of orange, brandy, and walnuts.All in all, it’s remarkable how much flavor you can pack into one seemingly simple cookie.
4. Greek Lemon Potatoes
These potatoes have a spectacular golden color and are wonderfully crispy. I know you’ll almost believe they’re caramelized.
Crisp and crunchy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and featuring lemon and garlic flavors, they’re irresistible.
These potatoes are sure to please any potato fan. They’re so good, even potato haters will love them.
5. Traditional Greek Baklava
It is possible that baklava is the one recipe in this list that most non-Greek people are familiar with. Everyone appreciates its flaky layers and sweet honey-walnut center.
Baklava is one of those eats that reaches far beyond its origin and captures hearts all over the world.
6. Feta and Leek Phyllo Bites
If you love thin, crisp phyllo dough, these already sound appealing to you. Filling them with feta cheese, leeks, mint, and other goodies makes them even more amazing.
Making a dozen of these takes just 45 minutes, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. They’re like gourmet Hot Pockets.
7. Greek Honey Ouzo Roasted Turkey Thighs
To be real, I didn’t think this dish would impress me much at first glance. I wouldn’t have given it a chance if someone else hadn’t made it for dinner. Now I know better than to judge a book by its cover (or a dish by how it’s plated).
The marinade is outrageously delicious, and the turkey itself is less prone to drying out. Also, the figs? So good!
I can’t wait to enjoy this again.
8. Vasilopita Cake
Also known as Greek New Year’s Cake, this cake is a tender, moist treat with tasty citrus flavor. You can amp up the flavor with a vanilla glaze.
Some bakers enjoy decorating their vasilopita cakes, while others stop with just the glaze. Either way, these cakes are gorgeous and thoroughly enjoyed.
9. Chocolate Olive Oil Fruit Cake
Across the world, countless cultures have some form of Christmas fruit cake. Greece has its own version, and it’s made with chocolate.
This take on fruitcake is nutty, chocolatey, and features the wonderful tastes of figs and raisins. In my opinion, this recipe is the far better fruit cake option.
10. Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Lemon Sauce
These cabbage rolls might look unlike others you’ve made, but they’re every bit as delicious. The cabbage has a delightful crispness, and you’ll create the tasty mince filling with rice, herbs, and more.
Drizzle a rich lemon sauce over top, and you’ll have the ideal dish to warm your soul on a cold night.
11. Greek Diples
These tasty Greek treats are drenched in honey, cinnamon, walnuts, and more, and as the original recipe claims, they’re like “Christmas on a platter.”
If you’re worried about how tricky they are to make, rest easy knowing this recipe offers an easier approach that even newbie chefs can master.
12. Mosaiko
For every chocolate enthusiast, mosaiko is your ultimate Greek dessert. Not only does it look amazing, almost like a dark chocolate yule log, but it’s also remarkably simple to make. Requiring just under 10 ingredients and taking just 10 minutes, the best part is there’s no cooking required!
With a little whisking, blending, pouring, mixing, and shaping, this dessert tastes great, will impress a crowd, and won’t take up too much of your time.
13. Braised Chestnuts and Shallots
Maybe you’re not in the mood for chestnut soup. If so, you can enjoy chestnuts in a braised dish this Christmas.
Combine them with caramelized shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and other yummy ingredients for a saucy treat that everyone will be talking about.
14. Xerotigana
Xerotigana is a popular Greek treat. Basically, it’s a fried yeast dough, kind of like donut holes or funnel cakes.
This recipe revamps it with chocolate, ginger, and orange or lemon zest. Serve with thyme honey for an extra special touch.
15. Greek Salad
This vibrant and fresh salad includes plenty of veggies, feta, and grilled chicken (if you like). The tangy dressing, featuring olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, is the secret ingredient.
Ready in 20 minutes, it’s an ideal lunch option.
16. Christopsomo
This traditional Greek sweet bread is as stunning as it is flavorful.It’ll take just over 3 hours to prep, and you’ll need to braid the dough to make those decorative touches, but that’s pretty easy.
It’s nutty and rich, with a comforting warmth that you can’t resist.
Honestly, it’s almost too gorgeous to eat!This recipe is practically required if you crave authentic Greek Christmas.
17. Potato Gratin With Feta Cheese
This is an amazing potato gratin recipe, not the kind that comes in a box from Betty Crocker. Although this recipe will take a bit more effort than the prepackaged kind, you’ll taste the reward.
All the more so when you incorporate spring onions, feta, parmesan, and bacon.
18. Sweet Greek Christmas Bread
Check out another gorgeous bread that’s a hallmark of the Christmas season. It’s a simple treat that looks like a lovely blooming flower.
Made with flour, yeast, milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and sesame seeds, this bread is so easy to make. Just remember that as with most bread recipes, you’ll need to proof the dough first, so don’t wait until the last minute.
19. Greek Figs in a Blanket
Each bite from this fun Mediterranean appetizer combines all sorts of flavors into one tiny package.
Both sweet and savory, it resembles pigs in a blanket, but swaps the cocktail wieners and crescent rolls for dried figs and puff pastry dough. Enhanced with cheeses and other ingredients with potent tastes, prepare for a mouthful of flavor.
20. Tirokroketes
Tirokroketes are similar to mozzarella sticks, but smaller and circular. However, unlike mozzarella sticks, they’re stuffed with feta, Gouda, and Parmesan. They’re rolled in flour, seasonings, and bread crumbs, then deep-fried.
They’re absolutely some of the most amazing cheese balls you’ll ever taste. Your guests will rave about them, no matter if you serve them with dipping sauce or not.
21. Kourambiethes
With just six ingredients and taking less than an hour, you can make two dozen soft, dry kourambiethes cookies, coated with powdered sugar. Since these sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are so beloved, you can’t make too many of them.
Make 20 or 200, you won’t have many leftovers.
22. Roasted Lamb Shanks
Lamb shanks are a budget-friendly and delicious choice for Christmas or any time of year. Using this recipe, they’re incredibly tender and flavorful from the garlic, cumin, and other herbs.
The marinade is so unbelievable that you’ll want to use it on all cuts of meat. Good thing it’s not only for lamb!
23. Spanakopita Dip
If you like spinach dip, then you’ll absolutely adore this fancier spanakopita dip. Exceptionally gooey and cheesy, you’ll kick it up a notch with peppers, dill, and onions.
There isn’t a flavor that’s lacking in this recipe.
24. Greek Christmas Chestnut Soup
If you can’t roast your chestnuts over an open fire, give this creamy soup a shot! It’s mild, slightly herby, and slides right down.
Serve it with a side salad or a chunk of bread for a tasty, satisfying meal.
25. Greek-Style Roast Pork With Honey Sauce
If you’re searching for a flavorful roasted recipe, you’ll want to try this Greek-style roast pork.
This flavorful dish combines orange juice, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and more to create something incredibly aromatic and delicious. With only 10 minutes of prep, the meat is succulent and practically melts in your mouth. You’ll be hard pressed to beat this main course any time of year.