Designed for sharing, a Mezze Platter is ideal for parties, family gatherings, and casual entertaining. Popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, it features a vibrant spread of contrasting flavors and textures, encouraging guests to graze and mingle at their own pace.
In the Greater Chicago area, International Fresh Market is your destination for authentic Middle Eastern ingredients used in building a mezze platter.
What is Mezze?
The word mezze comes from the Persian word mazeh, which translates to taste, flavor, or relish. Similar to charcuterie in France, antipasti in Italy, tapas in Spain, and thali in India, it is a selection of appetizers and small dishes meant to be eaten slowly alongside conversation. Popular in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Syria, and Greece, a mezze platter focuses on variety, balance, and communal dining rather than on one large entrée. It requires little to no actual cooking, relying instead on thoughtful pairing and colorful presentation.
Mezze platters are built with a collection of creamy dips, fresh and pickled vegetables, meats, and warm flatbreads.
When is Mezze Traditionally Served?
Mezze is traditionally served as an extended appetizer course, or icebreaker, before the main meal. Most often enjoyed in the late afternoon, early evening, or on weekends when people have time to relax, it is famously served in taverns and restaurants to accompany drinks like ouzo, arak, or raki. A staple for Sunday family lunches, a mezze spread can become the entire meal where the table stays covered in small plates for hours so guests can graze continuously.
Every Mezze Platter Needs Great Dips
To begin building a mezze platter, start with the dips. Three or four of the following essentials are eaten with warm pita or fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Hummus
A blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, hummus has a mild, earthy, nutty flavor that brings balance to the spread without overpowering the other dishes.
Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a roasted eggplant dish that brings a deep, smoky, and slightly charred flavor to the platter.
Labneh
An ultra-thick, strained yogurt cheese with a silky, spreadable texture, labneh is similar to cream cheese, but with a bright, tangy punch. It provides a sharp, refreshing acidity that cuts through the rich, heavy elements of the board such as falafel, warm meats, and oil-preserved olives.
Muhammara
Muhammara is made from roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Seasoned with garlic, cumin, and a hint of roasted red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper, its name comes from the Arabic word for reddened, reflecting a rich, crimson color.
The purpose of the dips is to create a rich, versatile foundation for endless dipping and pairing.
Build Color and Crunch
Fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, and bread help balance the richer dips of the mezze. Popular options include:
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Radishes
- Bell pepper slices
- Carrots
- Olives
- Pickled cucumbers
- Pickled turnips
- Warm pita bread
Arranged around the dips, these colorful elements provide the necessary crunch, acidity, and warmth to help every bite taste light and balanced.
Add Filling Favorites
Protein and heartly bites turn mezze from a light appetizer into a satisfying meal. A few classics to choose from are:
Falafel
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, falafel are deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices for a savory, herbal crunch.
Chicken Shawarma
Chicken shawarma is heavily seasoned chicken marinated in garlic, citrus, and warm aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander before being roasted and then thinly sliced.
Grilled Kebabs
Tender, flame-grilled skewers of marinated meat and/or vegetables bring a distinct, charred smokiness and robust flavor that serves to perfectly balance the cooler, creamier dips.
Beef or Chicken Kofta
Kofta is seasoned ground meat mixed with finely minced onion, parsley, and warm spices, shaped onto skewers and grilled. They provide a juicy, aromatic, and deeply savory element that holds up well alongside bold dips like muhammara.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
Dolmas are tender grape leaves wrapped into neat, bite-sized rolls around a fragrant filling of rice, pine nuts, herbs, and lemon juice. Served chilled or at room temperature, they offer a tender, tangy, herbal flavor that cleanses the palate between richer bites.
Tying together warm spices, tender meats, and bright herbs, these savory options turn a mezze platter into a substantial, satisying feast that caters to every diet and taste.
The Finishing Touches
Bright colors, salty bites, and satisfying textures fill in the gaps to complete the mezze platter.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled or sliced, feta cheese brings a sharp, salty bite.
- Marinated feta: Steeped in olive oil and herbs, marinated feta offers a rich, creamy depth.
- Roasted almonds or pistachios: Essential nuttiness and a satisfying crunch come from these or other nuts.
- Fresh herbs (mint, parsley): Herbs scattered over dishes add fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Za’atar seasoning: Dusted on top, Za’atar provides a warm, earthy, and aromatic finish.
- Lemon wedges: Lemon is tucked into the platter for a quick burst of bright citrus.
Using a large wooden board or rimmed platter, place dip bowls on your mezze presentation first. Cluster warm elements and bread around them, and then tuck in fresh and pickled items. Fill in every empty corner with small garnishes for an abundant, inviting spread.
Mezze Platter Tips
To build the perfect mezze platter, mix creamy, crunchy, fresh, and savory foods.
- Include a variety of colors and textures.
- Offer both vegetarian and meat options.
- Prepare some of the items ahead of time.
- Don’t overcrowd the board.
Guests should feel comfortable to serve themselves from the mezze board.
Find Ingredients for Your Mezze Platter at International Fresh Market
Mezze is about sharing good food and enjoying a variety of flavors together. Platters can be customized based on the occassion and guests’ preferences.
Bring friends and families together around a colorful, authentic mezze spread. International Fresh Market is the place to find everything from tahini and pita to olives, cheeses, spices, and halal meats.
