20+ Greek New Year's Bread Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Mar 2, 2024

For many Greek households, the New Year's celebration is not complete without a traditional loaf of Vasilopita, or Greek New Year's Bread. This sweet and fragrant bread is steeped in centuries of tradition and is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to those who eat it. While there are many variations of this recipe, the most common one involves adding a special ingredient that holds a surprise for the lucky person who finds it in their slice of bread. Let's take a closer look at this beloved Greek holiday tradition and learn how to make it at home.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

New Year’s Day queso compuesto

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Mexican Chorizo, Onion, Jalapenos

The Perfect Chile Con Queso Recipe for Your New Year's Eve Party! | The ...

Queso Fundido con Chorizo • Bread Booze Bacon

Chorizo Queso Dip | AllFreeCopycatRecipes.com

Brunch New Years Day 2022 - New Years Day 2023

Start off the new year with a bang by making this mouthwatering queso compuesto with beer can chicken. The combination of melted cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of beer creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.

2 of 20

New Year’s Eve Tequila Punch

Main Ingredients: Fruits, Silver Tequila, Champagne, Sauternes, Simple

New Year's Eve Champagne Punch is loaded with Triple Sec, blackberry ...

This Easy Festive Fruit Punch is perfect for entertaining during the ...

New Years Eve Makeup | New years eve makeup, Makeup, Make up

Happy New Years Eve from Cali ... starting early... : r/tequila

Ring in the new year with this refreshing and festive tequila punch. The addition of beer can chicken adds a unique twist to the classic cocktail, making it a must-try for any New Year's Eve party.

3 of 20

New Year’s Champagne Cocktail with Meyer Lemon Syrup...

Main Ingredients: Simple Syrup, Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Whiskey, Champagne

9 Champagne Cocktails to Toast the New Year | Champagne cocktail ...

emmiefromoregon | Signature drinks, Holiday drinks, Wedding signature ...

Meyer Lemon French 75 Cocktail | gritsandpinecones.com | Recipe ...

Cocktail Dresses N' Drinks: Lemon Pomegranate Champagne - Whitney E. RD

Take your New Year's celebration to the next level with this elegant champagne cocktail featuring a homemade Meyer lemon syrup. The savory flavors of the beer can chicken perfectly complement the sweetness of the syrup, making this cocktail a true crowd-pleaser.

4 of 20

New Year's Champagne Punch

Main Ingredients: Sherbet, Fresh Orange Juice, Ginger Ale, Champagne

New Year's Eve Champagne Punch | Sugar & Soul

Champagne Punch | Easy Punch for a Crowd

Strawberry Champagne Punch Recipe - Sugar & Soul

Champagne Punch Perfect For A Christmas Or New Year's Party | Champagne ...

Hosting a large party? Look no further than this delicious champagne punch recipe. The addition of beer can chicken adds a savory element to the sweet and bubbly drink, making it a unique and tasty choice for any occasion.

5 of 20

Vasilopita (Greek New Year's Bread)

Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Sugar, All Purpose Flour

Vasilopita - Greek New Year's Cake | The Greek Glutton | Recipe | New ...

VASILOPITA (GREEK NEW YEAR’S BREAD) Learn this traditional Greek Orange ...

Vasilopita – Greek New Year’s Bread | Glyká Sweets

Celebrate the Greek New Year with this traditional Vasilopita bread recipe. The tender and flavorful beer can chicken pairs perfectly with the hearty and rich bread, making it a must-try for any Greek-inspired feast.

6 of 20

New Year's Eve Champagne Punch

Main Ingredients: Champagne, Pear Juice, Frozen Peaches, Fresh

This fruity, festive Champagne Punch is just as delicious as it is ...

Strawberry Champagne Punch Recipe | Sugar and Soul

19 Berry Cocktails to Party With | Champagne punch recipes, Champagne ...

Impress your guests with this stunning and delicious champagne punch. The addition of beer can chicken adds a savory twist to the classic drink, making it a unique and flavorful choice for any celebration.

7 of 20

New Year’s Eve Champagne Punch

Main Ingredients: Triple Sec, Blackberry Brandy, Chambord, Pineapple

New Year's Eve Party: Pineapple Champagne Punch Recipe - Lipgloss and ...

Champagne Punch is the perfect party cocktail for New Year's Eve and ...

Looking for a non-alcoholic option for your New Year's Eve party? This champagne punch recipe can easily be made without alcohol, and the beer can chicken adds a depth of flavor that will leave your guests wanting more.

8 of 20

New Year’s Champagne Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Dark Rum, Blackberries, Ice, Champagne

19 New Years Eve Cocktails to Ring In 2020 in 2020 | Cocktail lover ...

Champagne Cocktails To Ring In The New Year | Fun Money Mom

Three Ingredient Strawberry Lime Champagne Cocktail | Savory Nothings

Add a touch of elegance to your New Year's celebration with this simple yet delicious champagne cocktail. The beer can chicken adds a savory element to the sweet and bubbly drink, making it a perfect pairing for any party.

9 of 20

New Year's Black Eyed Peas

Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Vegetable Broth, Celery, Sweet Onion

Smoky Black Eyed Pea Soup (Vegan + Healthy) - The Simple Veganista

Black-Eyed Peas for New Year's • FIVEheartHOME

New Years Black Eyed Peas and Greens - Making Thyme for Health

In the South, it's a tradition to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck. Take it up a notch with this flavorful recipe featuring beer can chicken. The tender and juicy chicken adds a hearty element to the dish, making it a satisfying and delicious way to start the new year.

10 of 20

New Year's Eve Black-Eyed Pea Salsa

Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Chopped Tomatoes, Fresh Lime Juice

Food Holiday Recipes: Black-Eyed Pea Salsa

New Years Eve Black Eyed Peas | Black eyed peas recipe crock pot, Black ...

Black Eyed Pea Salsa - Life's Ambrosia

If you're looking for a lighter option to serve at your New Year's Eve party, look no further than this black-eyed pea salsa recipe. The addition of beer can chicken adds a unique and savory element to the traditional salsa, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

11 of 20

Southern New Year's Day dinner skillet

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Small Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Collard

Traditional Southern New Year’s Day Dinner | Discovering the World ...

New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Pea Casserole - Family Food on the Table

Traditional Southern New Year's Day Menu | New years day menu, New ...

This easy and flavorful one-pan dinner is the perfect way to celebrate the new year. The combination of beer can chicken, black eyed peas, and greens creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is full of good luck for the year ahead.

12 of 20

New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Black Eyed Peas, Cream Cheese, Cayenne

Black-Eyed Pea Dip - Kim's Cravings

Black Eyed Pea Dip (Cowboy Caviar) for New Year's Day

Whole Foods New Body: {Healthy Black Eyed Pea Dip}

Looking for a tasty and unique dip to serve at your New Year's party? This black-eyed pea dip featuring beer can chicken is sure to be a hit. Serve with tortilla chips or pita bread for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

13 of 20

Three Fresh New Year’s Eve Sips

Main Ingredients: Pomegranate, Bartlett Pears, Red Wine, Sugar

New Year Photos, Old Photos, Vintage Photos, Antique Photos, Vintage ...

New years eve Word Search - WordMint

Bring it on New Years Eve & 2018 !!! Mads is sooo ready! 🥂🍾 💃🏻🎉💥 New ...

6 New Years Eve Sips and Styles | Sugar & Cloth

Impress your guests with these three refreshing and unique drink recipes for your New Year's Eve celebration. The addition of beer can chicken to the cocktails adds a savory element that will have your guests coming back for more.

14 of 20

New Year's Day Black Eyed Peas Soup

Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Lean Bacon, Chopped Onion, Chopped

New Year's Black-Eyed Pea Soup - Spicy Southern Kitchen

Smoky black eyed pea soup recipe (vegan, vegetarian) - Rhubarbarians

Serve up a bowl of good luck with this hearty and flavorful black-eyed pea soup. The tender and juicy beer can chicken adds a depth of flavor to the dish, making it a perfect meal for a cold New Year's Day.

15 of 20

New Year's Pork, Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Black Eyed Peas, Diced Tomatoes, Onion

The best New Year dishes from around the world | food | Agenda | Phaidon

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas & Greens (Vegan) - Minimalist Baker Recipes

Black Eyed Peas Recipe for New Years - Oh Sweet Basil

In the South, it's traditional to eat pork, black eyed peas, and greens on New Year's Day for good luck. This recipe combines all three in a delicious and hearty dish featuring beer can chicken. It's a tasty and lucky way to start the new year.

16 of 20

New Year’s Hoppin’ John – Southern Black Eyed Peas

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Large Onion, Garlic, Black Eyed Peas

Hoppin' John {Southern-Style} - Spend With Pennies

Hoppin John, a traditional southern dish enjoyed each year on New Year ...

Hoppin' John Recipe - Dinner at the Zoo

Hoppin' John | Hoppin' John Recipe | Southern Hoppin' John

Another classic Southern dish for New Year's Day, Hoppin' John is a flavorful and hearty meal that is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. This recipe features beer can chicken for an extra twist of flavor.

17 of 20

New Year's Day Soup

Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Beef Broth, Onion Soup Mix, Smoked

Busy Day Soup Recipe {So Easy} - Simply Stacie

16 Hearty Soups That Will Fill You Up | Kitchn

7 Day Soup Detox - Detox Diet Soups | ChefDeHome.com

Start off the new year with a warm and comforting bowl of soup featuring beer can chicken. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for serving a crowd at a New Year's Day gathering.

18 of 20

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

Take your taste buds on a trip to Greece with these mouthwatering Greek potatoes. The addition of beer can chicken adds a savory element to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for any Greek-inspired meal.

19 of 20

Greek Chicken

Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Seasoning

Best Ever Greek Chicken Marinade - Carlsbad Cravings

Greek Chicken and Rice Skillet - PureWow

This simple and flavorful Greek chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. The beer can chicken adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional Greek flavors.

20 of 20

Greek Salad Dressing & Greek Salad

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

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe - A Spicy Perspective

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) - NatashasKitchen.com

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

Summer Greek Salad with Feta Cheese | Salty Side Dish

No Greek-inspired meal is complete without a fresh and flavorful Greek salad. This recipe not only includes a delicious homemade salad dressing, but also features beer can chicken to add a savory element to the dish.

The History of Vasilopita

Rooted in Greek Mythology

The tradition of Vasilopita dates back to ancient Greece, with its roots in Greek mythology. According to legend, Saint Basil (or Agios Vasilis) was a bishop who lived in the 4th century and was known for his generosity and kindness towards the poor. One year, the city of Caesarea was under siege and the citizens were facing starvation. Saint Basil asked all the women in the city to bring their valuable possessions to the city square, where he proceeded to bake them into bread and distributed it among the people. Miraculously, each person received their own belongings back, leading to the belief that Saint Basil had the power to bring back lost or stolen possessions. To honor him, people began baking a special bread on New Year's Day, with a coin or other trinket hidden inside, symbolizing the miracle of Saint Basil.

A Symbol of Good Luck and Prosperity

Over time, the tradition of Vasilopita evolved into a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It is typically cut at midnight on New Year's Eve, with the head of the household making the first slice and then dividing the rest among family and friends. The person who finds the hidden coin or trinket in their slice is said to receive good luck for the entire year. In some families, the head of the household will also bless the bread and make a wish for the upcoming year.

Making Your Own Vasilopita

The Recipe

To make your own Vasilopita, you will need the following ingredients: flour, yeast, eggs, sugar, butter, milk, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a coin or trinket. The dough is made in a similar way to other sweet breads, with the added step of hiding the coin or trinket inside before baking. Once the bread is baked, it is often decorated with a cross made of powdered sugar and almonds.

Bringing Prosperity and Good Luck into Your Home

In addition to being a delicious treat, Vasilopita is a meaningful way to honor Greek tradition and bring good luck and prosperity into your home for the new year. Whether you're celebrating with family and friends or making it for the first time, this sweet and fragrant bread is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your household. So why not give it a try and see what treasures the new year holds for you?