Greek Appetizer Platter Recipe
Introduction
A Greek appetizer platter is a vibrant and flavorful way to start any meal. It features a variety of classic bites that showcase the best of Mediterranean ingredients and tastes. Perfect for sharing, this platter brings a festive touch to your table.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese
- Kalamata olives
- Shrimp saganaki
- Keftedes (lamb meatballs)
- Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip)
- Fried feta cheese
- Avgolemono soup
- Feta fries
- Tzatziki dip
- Skordalia (garlic potato dip)
- Feta cheese dip
- Orzo pasta salad
- Spanakopita (spinach pie)
- Grilled pita bread
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Select a large cutting board or decorative serving platter to hold your appetizers.
- Step 2: Arrange a variety of the Greek appetizers attractively, leaving space to add grilled pita bread for dipping.
- Step 3: Drizzle the entire platter generously with extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavors.
- Step 4: Serve the platter immediately, encouraging guests to enjoy the diverse tastes together.
Tips & Variations
- Include fresh vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes to add color and freshness.
- Swap grilled pita for warm crusty bread if preferred.
- Prepare dips like tzatziki and melitzanosalata a day ahead to deepen flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp saganaki and lamb meatballs, and add more cheese and vegetable dips.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most items can be kept for up to 2-3 days. Reheat warm dishes like shrimp saganaki and keftedes gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep dips chilled and fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the appetizer platter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare most components, especially the dips, a day ahead. Assemble the platter just before serving to keep everything fresh and appetizing.
What can I serve to accompany this platter?
This platter pairs wonderfully with light white wines, ouzo, or sparkling water with lemon. Add a Greek salad or fresh fruit for a complete Mediterranean experience.
PrintGreek Appetizer Platter Recipe
A vibrant Greek Appetizer Platter featuring a delightful assortment of traditional Greek bites including creamy feta cheese, tangy Kalamata olives, succulent shrimp saganaki, flavorful lamb keftedes, smoky melitzanosalata, crispy fried feta, comforting avgolemono soup, crispy feta fries, refreshing tzatziki and skordalia dips, creamy feta cheese dip, hearty orzo pasta salad, savory spanakopita, all complemented by warm grilled pita bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an authentic and inviting Mediterranean experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Dips and Spreads
- Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) – 1 cup
- Tzatziki dip – 1 cup
- Skordalia (garlic potato dip) – 1 cup
- Feta cheese dip – 1 cup
Cheeses and Olives
- Feta cheese (crumbled and blocks) – 200g
- Kalamata olives – 1 cup
- Fried feta cheese – 150g
- Feta fries – 150g
Protein and Main Starters
- Shrimp saganaki – 12 shrimp cooked in tomato sauce with feta
- Keftedes (lamb meatballs) – 12 meatballs
Other Starters and Salads
- Avgolemono soup – 1 cup (served in small bowls)
- Orzo pasta salad – 1.5 cups
- Spanakopita (spinach pie) – 4 slices
Breads and Oils
- Grilled pita bread – 4 pita rounds
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Appetizers: Make sure all components are ready – shrimp saganaki cooked, keftedes fried, dips prepared or set out, feta cheese fried and in fries form, spanakopita baked, orzo salad tossed, and avgolemono soup warm and ready to serve.
- Arrange on Platter: Use a large cutting board or decorative serving platter and artfully arrange the different Greek appetizers in separate sections while maintaining a visually appealing presentation.
- Add Bread and Oil: Place the grilled pita bread rounds around or alongside the appetizers. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheeses, dips, and some appetizers to enhance flavor and authenticity.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the platter promptly to enjoy fresh, with pita bread available for dipping into the various spreads and accompaniments.
Notes
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for an authentic Greek taste.
- This platter can be customized with fewer or more appetizers based on preference and number of guests.
- Ensure hot items like shrimp saganaki and keftedes are kept warm before serving.
- Extra virgin olive oil adds essential flavor and richness; don’t skip drizzling it over the platter.
- Spanakopita and feta fries can be prepared ahead and reheated just before serving.
Keywords: Greek appetizer platter, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, shrimp saganaki, keftedes, melitzanosalata, fried feta, avgolemono soup, tzatziki, skordalia, feta fries, orzo salad, spanakopita, grilled pita bread, Mediterranean appetizers
