The Greek mezze is a feast for the senses—a tapestry of tastes, textures, and colors that encourage leisurely nibbling and convivial conversation. But what exactly is a mezze? Originating from the Eastern Mediterranean, "mezze" (or "meze") refers to a collection of small dishes served as appetizers or light meals, meant to be shared around the table. When artfully arranged on a board or platter, mezze becomes a vibrant showcase of Greek culture and cuisine.

Building Blocks of a Greek Mezze Board

Start by selecting a variety of components that balance flavors and textures. Here's what you'll want to include:

Cheeses

Greek cheeses are essential to a mezze board, bringing creamy, tangy, and salty notes. Iconic options include:

• Feta: The star cheese, crumbly and tangy, often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or sprinkled with oregano.
• Kefalotyri: A hard, aged cheese with a sharp, nutty profile.
• Graviera: Slightly sweet and nutty, excellent sliced or cubed. At Murray's Cheese inside of the City Market grocery store in Pagosa Springs, you can find great selections of imported Greek cheeses to bring authentic flavor to your board.

Cured Meats

While Greece is more famous for its cheeses and olives, cured meats like loukaniko (seasoned pork sausage) or thin slices of pastourma can add smoky and savory depth.

Olives and Pickles

Olives are the soul of Greek mezze. Offer a mix such as:

• Kalamata olives with their rich, fruity flavor
• Green olives stuffed with almonds or garlic Pickled vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and green beans add acidity and crunch, cleansing the palate.

Dips and Spreads

No mezze is complete without dips. Consider:

• Tzatziki: A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
• Melitzanosalata: A smoky eggplant spread.
• Hummus: Chickpea-based with tahini and lemon.
• Taramosalata: Creamy fish roe spread with a slightly salty tang.

Bread and Crackers

Rustic, crusty bread like pita or artisan sourdough is your vehicle for scooping and layering. Local Pagosa bakers provide outstanding bread options that add a Colorado twist to your Greek spread.

Fresh and Roasted Vegetables

Include vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumber slices, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichokes to balance richness with freshness.

Sweet Finishes

A drizzle of local honey from Pagosa Honey or a handful of dried figs can offer a lovely sweet contrast.

Pro Pairing Tip

Serve your mezze board alongside a crisp white Greek wine like Assyrtiko or a chilled Rosé. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced herbal teas with lemon or sparkling water with a sprig of fresh mint make refreshing companions.

Terroir Tales: Local Flavor Meets Mediterranean Tradition

While Greek mezze has roots in the sun-drenched Mediterranean, the flavors harmonize beautifully with the mountain terroir of Pagosa Springs. Consider incorporating local elements—artisan cheeses from Laz Ewe 2 Bar Goat Dairy, cured lamb sausage from GrassRoots Meats, or wildflower honey from Pagosa Honey—to add a regional twist to your mezze board. These Colorado products echo the bold, earthy qualities of Greek ingredients, creating a unique fusion that honors both traditions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembly

1. Select Your Board: Choose a wooden plank or large platter to showcase your mezze items.
2. Place Bowls: Start by arranging small bowls or ramekins with dips and olives sporadically across the board.
3. Add Cheeses: Slice or crumble cheeses and arrange them in generous portions, ensuring a mix of textures.
4. Add Meats: Fold or curl cured meats for visual interest.
5. Fill Gaps with Veggies and Pickles: Scatter fresh vegetables and pickled items to add color and balance.
6. Add Bread: Serve sliced pita or artisan sourdough alongside, or tuck in small bread baskets.
7. Add Sweet Touches: Drizzle honey over feta or place some dried fruit to finish.

Why Mezze?

The beauty of the Greek mezze board lies not only in its flavors but in its social spirit. In Pagosa Springs, a place where community and outdoor adventures reign, the mezze invites you to slow down, savor, and connect—whether after a day hiking the Weminuche Wilderness or gathered by a firepit with friends.

Ready to create your own vibrant mezze? Visit Murray's Cheese inside City Market to start sourcing authentic Greek cheeses and pair with Colorado-made specialties for a board that’s both traditional and local. Opa!

Sources & Further Reading

• The Mediterranean Dish – Authentic Greek Mezze Traditions
• Pagosa Springs Community Market – Local Farms and Artisan Food Producers
• Murray's Cheese – Cheese Selection Guide
• GrassRoots Meats – Sustainable Local Lamb
• Pagosa Honey – Regional Wildflower Honey

Craft your mezze with care and enjoy a delicious journey from Greece to the mountains of Colorado.