When I’m hosting a party, a serve a variety of appetizers including raspberry baked brie, bacon wrapped shrimp and this fresh and colorful mezze platter.
Mezze Platter Ingredients
To make this mezze platter you will want to have hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, fresh veggies, olives, feta cheese, tabbouleh, dolmas, olive oil, roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. You can also add other items to your platter. You can make a Greek feast by serving this platter with dishes like spanakopita, Greek pasta salad and Greek meatballs with lemon dill rice.
How Do You Make A Mezze Platter?
To make a mezze platter, start with a nice large platter, tray or wooden board. Arrange a variety of dips, like hummus and tzatziki sauce, on the platter. Place some tabbouleh on the platter. Around the dips and salads, arrange cheeses, olives, raw vegetables, roasted veggies and warm pita bread triangles. You can use store bought items such as hummus, dolmas and tabbouleh or make your own Mediterranean delicacies. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, or serve right away.
Tips For A Perfect Platter
I like to include at least 2 dips. Some of the more popular options include hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki sauce, feta dip or muhammara. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top of your dips along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor and color. The most popular cheese for a mezze platter is feta cheese. I like to take it a step further by marinating cubes of feta cheese in olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes and parsley. Fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Cucumbers and tomatoes are typical additions, but other great fresh veggies include radishes, red bell peppers and baby carrots. I use a lot of pickled and roasted cold veggies like artichoke hearts, bell peppers, marinated mushrooms and cherry peppers. Feel free to purchase pre-made dolmas or you can make your own. Many of the components of the platter, including the dolmas, hummus, tabbouleh and baba ganoush, can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. If you don’t want to make your own dips and salads, you can purchase them from the deli area of the grocery store.
Mediterranean Ideas And Variations
While most platters include the basics like pita bread and hummus, you can add any Mediterranean or Middle East themed ingredients to your appetizer offering.
Fresh fruit such as orange wedges, halved figs, pomegranates or grapes. Grilled veggies including artichokes, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers or roasted red peppers. Cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. Pickled vegetables such as garlic cloves, asparagus, mushrooms or green beans. Nuts including pistachios, almonds or walnuts. Dippers like breadsticks, crackers or pita chips. Heartier fare including meatballs, falafel or grilled halloumi cheese.
You simply can’t go wrong with a mezze platter. They’re easy to make, look beautiful, and there’s a little something for everyone!
Mezze Platter Video
