Easter Recipes Greek Food Lovers Can't Resist

Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and, for food lovers, indulgence in some of the most delicious dishes. Greek cuisine takes Easter meals to a whole new level with its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Whether you're hosting an Easter feast or simply want to add a Greek twist to your holiday table, this blog will guide you through authentic Greek Easter recipes that will impress your loved ones and satisfy their taste buds.

From savory lamb to sweet treats like koulouri, we've got a full lineup of mouthwatering recipes to make your Easter celebration unforgettable.

A Taste of Greek Easter Traditions

Greek Easter is deeply tied to the spirit of togetherness, love, and, of course, food. While each family may put their unique spin on certain dishes, there are staples that grace tables year after year. Below are some of the must-have recipes and what makes them so special.

Recipes That Define a Greek Easter Feast

1. Roast Lamb with Lemon and Herbs

No Greek Easter table is complete without roast lamb. This dish symbolizes sacrifice and renewal and is a centerpiece for celebration. The key to perfecting roast lamb lies in marinating it with aromatic herbs, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Slowly roasted, the meat becomes tender, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) leg of lamb
• 4–5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the lamb with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place it in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Roast for 90 minutes, basting every 30 minutes. Uncover for the final 20 minutes to crisp up.

Serve with roasted potatoes for a classic pairing that guests will love.

2. Magiritsa (Traditional Easter Soup)

Magiritsa is a unique, hearty soup served on Easter to break the 40-day Lenten fast. Made with lamb offal, rice, and a tangy avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce, it’s a comforting dish full of traditional flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb offal (liver, lungs, heart, and intestines)
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 cup rice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 eggs
• Juice of 2 lemons

Steps to Prepare:

1. Wash and clean the lamb offal thoroughly. Boil, then chop into small pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onions, and add chopped offal. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
3. Add water and rice, cooking until the rice is ready.
4. For avgolemono, beat eggs and mix with lemon juice. Slowly add hot soup broth to temper, then pour this mixture back into the pot. Serve warm.

3. Tsoureki (Greek Easter Sweet Bread)

Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, tsoureki is a braided bread that’s perfect for Easter. Traditionally flavored with mahlab and mastiha, this bread is often adorned with red-dyed eggs.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 2 tsp mahleb (mahlab)
• 1 tsp mastic powder
• 2 ½ tsp yeast
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Activate the yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp of sugar.
2. Combine flour, sugar, mahleb, and mastic in a bowl. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough and allow it to rise until doubled in size (about 1 ½–2 hours).
3. Divide the dough into three pieces, roll into ropes, and braid. Place in a pan and allow to rise again.
4. Brush with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

This bread is not just a dessert; it’s a symbolic part of Easter festivities.

4. Koulourakia (Twisted Butter Cookies)

These crunchy butter cookies are a hit with both kids and adults during Easter. Flavored with vanilla and orange zest, they’re twisted into beautiful shapes and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 egg (for glaze)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange zest.
2. Gradually add flour to form a dough.
3. Roll into ropes and shape into twists. Place on a baking sheet, brush with egg glaze, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Perfect with coffee or tea, koulourakia are a true Easter delight.

5. Fasolakia (Greek-style Green Beans)

For a lighter, veggie-forward side dish, fasolakia is an excellent option. Green beans are slow-cooked with tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs until tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 ripe tomatoes, grated
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried dill

Steps to Prepare:

1. Heat olive oil in a deep pan, add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Add green beans, tomatoes, and dill. Stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender (about 45 minutes).

This dish is a fantastic balance to the richness of other Easter staples.

Celebrate with These Greek Delights

This Easter, why not add a touch of Greece to your celebration? These recipes capture the very essence of Greek traditions, combining delicious flavors with symbolic culture to bring people together.

From the succulent roast lamb to the sweet tsoureki bread, your guests are sure to leave the table with full hearts and satisfied stomachs. If you try any of these recipes, be sure to share your photos and tag us using #GreekEasterFeast!

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