New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and I’m already thinking about how to ring in the new year with friends and family. For me, a good party always includes delicious food, and this year, I’m excited to share a unique twist on a classic dish of Greek nachos!
I’ve always loved the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Eve, with the countdown, the toasts, and, of course, the food.
I usually try to have a few of my favorite snacks on hand, like hummus with veggies – it’s so refreshing and healthy! But this year, I’m looking to elevate my game day (or in this case, New Year’s Eve!) snacking experience.
Nachos have always been a crowd-pleaser, and the idea of combining the classic Tex-Mex flavors with the vibrant Mediterranean ingredients instantly intrigued me. The result? A truly unique and delicious dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones as we celebrate the new year.
This recipe takes the simplicity of the classic nacho – crunchy tortilla chips as the base for a symphony of flavors – and adds a Mediterranean twist with ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and a vibrant Greek yogurt sauce.
It’s a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful, guaranteed to impress your guests.
So, whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, these Greek nachos are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, customizable to your liking, and most importantly, incredibly delicious.
Let’s get started and create some unforgettable memories as we ring in the new year with this flavorful and festive dish!
Ingredients
The Base
I start with the foundation, which is made of crispy pita chips. I love how they soak up all the flavors, creating a perfect crunch in every bite.
The Greek Factor
Then comes the Greek touch with vibrant colored vegetables, like juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy red onions. Also, Il add some briny Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for that authentic Mediterranean taste. Don’t forget the fresh herbs! I’ll use a mix of oregano and mint for a burst of aroma and flavor.
The Dressing
To tie it all together, I’ll whip up a simple dressing with creamy Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic. It’s light, refreshing, and adds a wonderful tanginess to the dish.
Recipe
New Year’s Eve has always been a special occasion for me. I remember last year, I was determined to impress my friends with a unique appetizer.
I spent hours browsing through digital cookbooks and Instagram food bloggers, searching for something truly special until I found this Greek winner with a twist.
The combination of crispy pita chips, creamy feta, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors sounded irresistible.
Let me walk you through how I like to make them!
If you’re using ground lamb or beef, start by browning it in a skillet with some onions, garlic, and herbs like marjoram and rosemary. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking always gets me excited for the feast to come.
Then set the oven to preheat at 350°F and spread the pita chips out on a baking sheet. If I’m using the meat, I sprinkle it evenly over the chips. Then, pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they’re lightly toasted and fragrant.
While the pita chips are toasting, I recommend you make the creamy feta sauce to save some time. Combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta (saving some for later!), olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic powder. Then whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. It’s such a simple process, but the result is incredibly flavorful.
Once the pita chips are perfectly toasted, I spread the whipped feta sauce over them. Then comes the fun part of layering! I love adding hummus, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, and sliced red onion.
And of course, I finish it off with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs because no dish can ever be complete without herbs, and the remaining crumbled feta cheese.
Finally, the moment of truth! I love serving these Greek Nachos warm, while all the flavors are still bursting. They’re always a hit with my friends, and they’ve become a beloved part of my New Year’s Eve tradition.
Fun Variations To Try
1- For a bit of sweet heat, I sometimes add a smoky chipotle crema to my Greek Nachos. It’s made with roasted chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, sour cream, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
This adds a delicious Southwestern kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. To complete the look, I sprinkle on some crumbled cotija cheese for an extra salty, cheesy bite.
2- For a lighter event, instead of pita chips, I sometimes use toasted whole-wheat pita bread for a heartier base. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and rounds out the dish perfectly.
Tips To Remember
Tip # 1 – Vegetarian option
I often make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding extra hummus or feta sauce. It’s important to keep your menu inclusive to all on a New Year’s Eve and other important events.
Tip # 2 – Spicy version
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chopped pepperoncinis. I never tried it myself because my spice tolerance is worse than an ant’s. But it’s a tip from my friend’s kitchen.
Tip # 3 – Be prepared for emergencies
You can make the meat and the feta sauce in advance, which makes things much easier on New Year’s Eve. Such pre-prep is important to keep the ship sailing in case of guests’ raid.
FAQs
What if I don’t have any Greek yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute plain yogurt or even sour cream for the Greek yogurt in the whipped feta sauce. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
What are some other topping ideas?
The beauty of Greek Nachos is their versatility! Some other delicious topping ideas include roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sliced black olives, pickled jalapeños, and avocado slices. Get creative and add your favorite toppings!
How can we make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortilla chips or crackers instead of pita chips. That’s my go-to alternatives for picky friends.
Greek Nachos
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- ½ pound ground lamb or ground beef
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ½ teaspoon rosemary leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Nachos:
- 1 package pita chips about 9 ounces
- 1 cup Hummus
For the Whipped Feta Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons whole fat plain Greek yogurt
- 4 ounces feta finely crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice from half a lemon
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Toppings:
- 1 medium cucumber chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
- ¼ cup kalamata olives sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onions
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint or parsley
- Extra crumbled feta
Instructions
Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown ground lamb or beef over medium-high heat.
- Add minced onion, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
Prepare the Pita Chips:
- Spread pita chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- If using meat, evenly distribute it over the chips.
Toast the Chips:
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven when the chips are warm and slightly toasted.
Make the Whipped Feta Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Nachos:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Spread the whipped feta sauce evenly over the warm chips and meat (if using).
- Top with dollops of hummus.
Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle with chopped cucumbers, quartered tomatoes, sliced olives, red onions, and fresh mint or parsley.
- Add a generous sprinkle of extra crumbled feta.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy your delicious Greek Nachos while they are warm and crispy!
