Using Butter for Cooking in Greece?

[AlexiaTravels]

I've been wondering how commonly butter is actually used in Greek cooking. I know olive oil is such an important part of Greek cuisine, so I'm curious where butter fits in, if at all.

For example, when making things with phyllo like baklava, spanakopita, or tiropita, is the phyllo traditionally brushed with melted butter, olive oil, or does it depend on the recipe and region? I've seen recipes that use both, which made me wonder what would be considered more traditional in Greece.

I'm also curious about baking in general. Is butter commonly used in Greek cakes, cookies, and other desserts, or is olive oil often used there as well?

I'd love to hear from anyone familiar with traditional Greek home cooking. When would you typically reach for butter, and when would you use olive oil instead?

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Butter definitely has a place in Greek cooking, but olive oil is probably the everyday staple in far more dishes. For savory cooking, vegetables, beans, meats, and many traditional baked dishes, olive oil is usually what I think of first.

With phyllo, though, it really does depend on what you’re making. Baklava is often made with butter, while savory pies can use olive oil, butter, or sometimes a combination. Regional and family traditions probably play a big role too, so there isn’t always one universal “correct” version.

Butter is also very common in Greek baking. Many cookies, cakes, and holiday sweets rely on butter for richness and texture, especially things like kourabiedes. At the same time, there are plenty of olive oil cakes and cookies as well.

So I’d say butter is absolutely traditional in Greek cuisine; it just shares the kitchen with olive oil rather than replacing it.