Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Favorite Greek Crowd Pleasing Dishes?

1 - 2 of 2 Posts
V

voula_slat

Active member
I thought I’d do something fun—let’s share our favorite Greek crowd-pleasing dishes! You know, the ones that always get compliments at parties, holidays, or family gatherings. Whether it’s a big pan of moussaka, a heaping platter of souvlaki, or a mezze spread with dips and pita, Greek food is made for sharing.

What are your go-to dishes when you're cooking for a group? Do you like sticking with the classics, or do you have a special twist that makes your dish unforgettable? I’ve had great success with pastitsio and spanakopita, but I’m curious what others make when they really want to impress.

Also—any tips for prepping ahead or feeding a crowd without losing your mind? I’d love to hear your strategies, favorite dishes, or even memories of Greek feasts that wowed your guests. Let’s make a list of ultimate Greek crowd-pleasers. Can’t wait to hear your favorites!

I'll start. I have the best luck with Spanakopita, Gemista, and Souvlaki.
 
Last edited:
Love this idea! Greek food is such a joy to share. My top crowd-pleasers are definitely Youvetsi—tender beef baked with orzo in a tomato-cinnamon sauce—and a big tray of tiropita made with buttery layers of phyllo and a mix of cheeses. People always ask for seconds!

For appetizers, I like putting together a mezze board with tzatziki, melitzanosalata, dolmadakia, and warm pita. It’s easy to prep ahead and always disappears fast. I’ve also done grilled halloumi skewers with lemon and they’re a hit at summer parties.

My biggest prep tip: make what you can the day before—spanakopita, tiropita, and gemista all reheat beautifully. I also keep things flowing with a self-serve setup so guests can graze and mingle.

One of my favorite memories is a backyard feast where we roasted a lamb and had baklava and galaktoboureko for dessert—it felt like Easter in July. Can’t wait to see everyone’s go-to dishes!
 
1 - 2 of 2 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Frying Saganaki the Right Way?

I love saganaki. There’s nothing better than that golden, crispy cheese with a squeeze of lemon. I always order it at Greek restaurants, but I’ve never actually tried making it myself at home. I’m finally ready to give it a shot and could really use some tips!

What’s the best type of cheese to use? I’ve heard of kefalograviera and kasseri, but I’m not sure which gives the best result. Also, how do you keep it from melting into a puddle or sticking to the pan?

Do you dredge it in flour or something else? Olive oil or another type of oil for frying? And how do you get that perfect crispy edge without burning it?

Understanding Greek Condiments

I’ve noticed that condiments in Greece can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, when I visit Crete, there’s always fresh lemon on the table, and people use it on everything, from meat to greens. In other places, I see a lot of vinegar being used, especially with salads and fried foods.

It got me wondering, what are the most common condiments across different regions of Greece? Do Greeks ever use things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise at home, or is that mostly in tourist areas?

I know olive oil and lemon are staples, but sometimes I see things on tables that surprise me. Just curious if there are certain traditional uses for these “modern” condiments or if it’s more regional/custom-based. Would love to hear your thoughts or family traditions!

Hortopita or Spanakopita without Cheese?

I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who’s made hortopita or spanakopita without cheese. A family member recently developed a dairy intolerance, and I’d love to be able to make a pie she can enjoy too. Traditionally I use feta or mizithra, so I’m a bit unsure how it will turn out without the cheese—will it still taste good?

Have you ever made a vegan or dairy-free version of these pies? What do you add to make up for the missing richness and saltiness from the cheese? Are there herbs, extra olive oil, or maybe lemon juice that help brighten the flavor?

I’d really appreciate any tips—especially from people who’ve done it successfully. Would love to keep the flavors authentic and satisfying while making it friendly for her diet. Thanks so much in advance!

Top 5 Favorite Greek Foods to Grill?

I absolutely love hosting summer dinner parties outside, there’s nothing better than good food, good company, and a warm evening breeze. I tend to stick with Greek food (with a few fun twists), and grilling has become my favorite way to cook when entertaining.

Here’s my current top 5 for the grill:
  1. Leg of lamb (slow and juicy!)
  2. Souvlaki (can’t go wrong)
  3. Grilled whole fish, Greek style with lemon and herbs
  4. Greek veggies in a grill pan—zucchini, peppers, onions, the works
  5. Pizza! Not traditional Greek, but it’s always a crowd pleaser
I’m always looking for new ideas to add to the lineup. What are your favorite Greek (or Greek-inspired) dishes to grill? I’d love to hear what others are making—especially things that feel festive, flavorful, and easy to serve outdoors. Open to everything from meats to cheeses to sides...

Handling dried gigantes?

I’m a huge fan of gigantes plaki and other dishes that use these giant beans. I am really struggling with the dried ones.

No matter how long I soak or boil them, they never seem to get quite soft enough. I’ve tried overnight soaking, longer cooking times, even baking soda in the soak water. Still hit-or-miss results. Sometimes they split before they soften, or the skins get tough.

I know canned gigantes exist, but I’d love to master the dried kind, especially for homemade plaki where texture really matters.

Any tips? Is there a soaking method or cooking trick that’s worked well for you? I am considering trying to get them soft in a pressure cooker, maybe that will help?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top