20 Greek Vasilopita Recipe Taste The Magic Today!

Published on: Mar 31, 2024

Vasilopita, or Greek New Year's cake, is a traditional dessert that is deeply rooted in Greek culture and is a staple at every Greek household during the holiday season. This delicious cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also carries a significant meaning behind its creation. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of this special cake and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own vasilopita at home.

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Greek Vasilopita Bread

Main Ingredients: Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Grated Orange Rind, Salt, Ground

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Vasilopita Greek New Years Bread Recipe by GenietheSpiceGoddess

{gluten free} Vasilopita- Lucky Greek New Year’s Cake - MsModify

Image result for vasilopita design | Greek cookies, Greek desserts ...

Vasilopita bread is a traditional Greek sweet bread made with a hint of orange and topped with a delicious glaze. It's the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.

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Greek Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Water, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dried Oregano

Greek Potatoes (super easy, so much flavor!) - Texanerin Baking

Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes – 12 Tomatoes

Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes (lemonates patates) | Olive & Mango

Nothing pairs better with beer can chicken than a side of crispy, lemony Greek potatoes. These potatoes are roasted to perfection with garlic, herbs, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, making them the perfect complement to any beer can chicken dish.

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Greek Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Seasoning

Best Ever Greek Chicken Marinade - Carlsbad Cravings

Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet - PureWow

For a truly authentic Greek beer can chicken experience, try using a Greek-style marinade on your chicken. The combination of lemon, oregano, and garlic will infuse your chicken with delicious Greek flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

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Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon

My Favorite Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - Meredith Rines

Best Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad - Dishing Delish

Best Greek Salad {with Avocado!} - Cooking Classy

No Greek meal is complete without a fresh and vibrant Greek salad. Top your salad with a homemade Greek dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

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Greek Moussaka

Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butter, Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, Ground

Traditional Moussaka recipe with eggplants (aubergines) and potatoes ...

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If you're looking to take your beer can chicken to the next level, try pairing it with a classic Greek dish like moussaka. This hearty casserole is made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and a delicious meat sauce, making it a perfect pairing for any beer can chicken recipe.

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GREEK BEEF STIFADO

Main Ingredients: Chopped Tomatoes, Cinnamon Sticks, Bay Leaves, Dried

Beef Stifado (Greek Beef Stew) - Souvlaki For The Soul

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For a change of pace, try substituting chicken with beef in your beer can chicken recipe. Beef stifado is a Greek beef stew made with tender chunks of meat, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and comforting meal.

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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes – Both Homers Would...

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bone, Russet Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Freshly

Greek Lemon Chicken | Recipe | Greek lemon chicken, Greek chicken and ...

Greek Lemon Potatoes | RecipeTin Eats

Cook This: Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes - The Wordy Girl

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe - Allrecipes.com

A twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, this version includes a side of roasted potatoes cooked with the chicken and a delicious lemon and herb marinade. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken that will have you saying "Opa!" with every bite.

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Greek Turkey Burgers

Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Crumbled Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives

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For a lighter alternative to traditional beer can chicken, try making Greek turkey burgers. These burgers are made with ground turkey, feta cheese, and a blend of Greek herbs and spices. Serve on a bun or wrap in pita bread for a delicious and portable meal.

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Greek Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Barilla Rotini, English Cucumber, Grape Tomatoes, Red

Jo and Sue: Greek Pasta Salad With Creamy Feta Dressing

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If you're looking for a side dish that can stand alone, try making a Greek pasta salad. This dish combines the flavors of a Greek salad with pasta, olives, and feta cheese for a satisfying and filling side dish. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a complete meal.

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Greek Orzo Salad

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt, Freshly

Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice and is often used in Greek cuisine. This Greek orzo salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. It's a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.

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Greek Quesadillas

Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Frozen Chopped Spinach, Sun Dried

Ever tried Greek-Mex? If you've ever tried Greek 'spanakopita' or ...

Greek Quesadillas - Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

For a fun and unique twist on beer can chicken, try making Greek quesadillas. These tasty snacks are made with chicken, feta cheese, olives, and a blend of Greek herbs and spices. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

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One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

Main Ingredients: Dried Oregano, Dried Minced Onion, Garlic, Lemon

One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken Rice with Roast Garlic - Closet Cooking

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One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice - Dinner, then Dessert

If you're looking for a simple and delicious meal, try making one-pan Greek lemon chicken and rice. This recipe combines chicken, rice, and a flavorful lemon and herb marinade all in one pan, making clean up a breeze. It's a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

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Zesty Greek chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken Legs, Chicken Stock, Lemon, Olive Oil, Onion

Zesty Chicken & Orzo Skillet | Recipe | Yummy chicken recipes, Recipes ...

Kotopita Parcels: Greek Chicken & Phyllo Pockets | Recipe | Greek ...

For a spicy twist on beer can chicken, try adding some zesty Greek flavors to your marinade. A combination of lemon, garlic, and red pepper flakes will give your chicken a kick of heat and a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.

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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Greek Yogurt, Fresh Lemon Juice, Extra

Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki | aheadofthyme.com - Ahead of Thyme

Greek Chicken Gyros - Damn Delicious

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki & Pickled Vegetables - Yes to Yolks

A gyro is a popular Greek sandwich made with meat, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. This recipe uses beer can chicken as the main protein and adds a homemade tzatziki sauce for a fresh and flavorful meal that will transport you to the streets of Greece.

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Crispiest Greek Lemon Potatoes (Patates Lemonates)

Main Ingredients: Large Potatoes, Garlic, Olive Oil, Water, Dried

Crispiest Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe (Patates Lemonates) | Recipe Cart

Greek Lemony Roasted Potatoes, 2 Ways: Patates Lemonates - Dimitras Dishes

Greek Lemon Potatoes (Patates Lemonates Recipe) - Herbs & Flour

Patates Lemonates my way (Lemony Greek roasted Potatoes) - Kopiaste..to ...

Crispy, lemony Greek potatoes are a staple in Greek cuisine and are the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. This recipe uses a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to create the crispiest and most flavorful potatoes you've ever tasted.

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Greek Chicken Rice Bowl

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Red Wine

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For a healthier take on beer can chicken, try making a Greek chicken rice bowl. This dish combines beer can chicken with brown rice, vegetables, and a homemade Greek dressing for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

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Greek Salad Dressing

Main Ingredients: Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Honey

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - Love and Lemons

The BEST Greek Salad with Fresh Herb Greek Dressing - The Café Sucre Farine

Greek Salad Dressing (5 Ingredients) - Little Broken

Store-bought salad dressings can't compare to the freshness and flavor of homemade Greek dressing. This recipe uses olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs to create a tangy and vibrant dressing that's perfect for drizzling over salads or using as a marinade for your beer can chicken.

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Greek Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Lamb, Egg, Lemon, Dried Oregano

Easy Greek meatballs with feta cheese - Simply Delicious

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For a unique and delicious twist on beer can chicken, try making Greek meatballs with a blend of ground chicken, herbs, and feta cheese. These flavorful meatballs can be served on their own or added to a pita wrap with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired meal.

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Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing

Main Ingredients: Purple Onion, Cold Water, White Vinegar, Tomatoes

How To Make Classic Greek Vinaigrette | Recipe | Greek vinaigrette ...

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Best Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - S&SM

If you can't get enough of the fresh and zesty flavors of Greek salad, try making your own at home. This recipe includes a homemade Greek dressing and tips for assembling the perfect Greek salad with all your favorite toppings.

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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce

Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Greek Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Olive

Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Cooking Classy

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No Greek meal is complete without a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling. This recipe uses Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill to create a creamy and refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken or any other Greek dish.

The History and Significance of Vasilopita

The Legend of Saint Basil

One of the main reasons why vasilopita is an important part of Greek New Year's celebrations is because of the legend of Saint Basil. According to the legend, Saint Basil once saved his city from being plundered by the invading Goths by asking the citizens to offer their valuables to the enemy. However, the invaders did not take the valuable items and instead left them untouched. To return the valuables to their rightful owners, Saint Basil baked them into small loaves of bread and distributed them among the citizens. Miraculously, each person received their own valuable item in their bread. This act of kindness and generosity is honored every year by baking a cake with a hidden coin inside, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

The Tradition of Cutting the Cake

On New Year's Day, the vasilopita cake is cut by the head of the household, usually the father or grandfather. The cake is sliced in a specific order, starting with a piece for Jesus, followed by the Virgin Mary, then Saint Basil, and finally the rest of the family members in order of age. The person who finds the hidden coin in their slice of cake is said to have good luck for the entire year.

How to Make Vasilopita at Home

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 coin (wrapped in foil)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the orange juice, brandy or cognac, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
Stir in the sliced almonds.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
Place the foil-wrapped coin into the batter, making sure it is completely covered.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Serve and enjoy your homemade vasilopita!

In Conclusion

Vasilopita is more than just a delicious cake, it is a symbol of love, generosity, and good fortune for the new year. By following this easy recipe, you can create your own vasilopita and continue this wonderful tradition with your family and friends. So go ahead, bake your own vasilopita and celebrate the new year with a slice of luck and prosperity.