Greek Mezedes Recipes
Browse authentic Greek mezedes recipes from Greece
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About Greek Meze
Meze is less a course than a way of eating. Small plates arrive at the table a few at a time, everyone reaches in, and the meal stretches out over conversation and a glass of ouzo or tsipouro. In a Greek taverna or ouzeri, mezedes (the plural) can range from the simplest bites to the whole dinner. Some are fried and golden: saganaki, a slab of cheese seared until crisp and finished with lemon; keftedakia, small mint-scented meatballs; and fritters like kolokithokeftedes and Santorini's domatokeftedes. Others come from the sea, like grilled octopus dressed with oil and oregano, or garides saganaki, shrimp simmered in tomato and feta. Dolmades, grape leaves wrapped around herbed rice, and bouyourdi, baked feta with tomatoes and chili, round out the spread, alongside flaky pies such as spanakopita and tiropita. The point isn't any single dish but the table as a whole: shared, unhurried, and made for lingering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Greek mezedes?
Greek mezedes are small dishes served as appetizers or shared plates, often enjoyed with drinks or as part of a larger meal.
What are the most popular Greek mezedes?
Popular Greek mezedes include dolmades, keftedes, saganaki, grilled octopus, fried zucchini, and small plates of cheese, olives, and seafood.
What is the difference between meze and mezedes?
Meze refers to a small dish or the style of eating small shared dishes, while mezedes is the Greek plural used when referring to multiple dishes.
Are Greek mezedes served as appetizers?
Mezedes can be served as appetizers, but they can also make up an entire meal when several dishes are ordered and shared at the table.
What do Greeks drink with mezedes?
Mezedes are commonly enjoyed with ouzo, tsipouro, wine, or beer, although the traditional pairing varies depending on the dishes and region.
How do I make Greek mezedes at home?
Greek mezedes can be made at home using Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, herbs, cheese, seafood, and meat. Browse our Greek meze recipes for traditional dishes with step-by-step instructions.
What is typically included in a Greek meze platter?
A Greek meze platter typically includes a selection of small dishes such as olives, feta cheese, dips, pita bread, dolmades, vegetables, meat, or seafood. The exact combination varies by region and occasion.
