In case you want to learn what is mezze, how to eat it, and when and which recipes qualify for this type of meal, read on, this complete guide has everything you need to know!
Mezze is a Middle Eastern tradition that has spread to many cultures. The word mezze (meaning in English “small plates” or “appetizers”) refers to dishes served before a meal. For example, in Greece, mezze is called mezedes and they’re eaten with drinks rather than with meals. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this delicious food tradition: what is a mezze platter, why people eat it, how they eat it, and more!
What is mezze?
If you’re wondering what is mezze food, here’s where you’ll find your answer. Mezze (the correct mezze pronunciation is meh-zay) is a selection of small dishes served as part of a meal. It’s usually eaten in the Eastern Mediterranean region and can be offered as an appetizer or main dish. The mezze spread typically features dishes that are vegetarian and/or vegan-friendly, though you will sometimes find fish and meat specialties here as well.
Mezze is a great way to eat a lot of food without getting overly full. When you eat a mezze menu, you get to sample different dishes and flavors, which is also fun. It’s also nice because it is served family style — you can try as much or as little as you want!
Mezze origins
You’re probably familiar with mezze if you’ve ever eaten in a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurant before. It might also sound familiar from the small plates trend that has swept American restaurants in recent years. The word mezze comes from the Arabic word for “appetizer.”
In Levantine cuisine (the Middle Eastern countries of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan) and Greek and Turkish cuisine, mezzes are served as part of an assortment of small dishes called mezedes (meaning “small things to eat”). These can include olives, various pickled vegetables like peppers, eggplant or artichokes, fresh and smoked fish, cheese, hummus topped with herbs such as mint or parsley, stuffed grape leaves, and more.
How to eat mezze
Mezze is the perfect way to kick off a meal, whether you’re dining with friends or hosting a party. Ordering mezze family style means you can share different dishes and dig into them all at once. You’ll want to order a few different dishes so that everyone has something they love, but also try out some new flavors and textures as well.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider prepping your own appetizers before your guests arrive. Serve these with warm pita bread for dipping! Everyone will be so impressed!
Drinks for mezze
Drinks are a great way to start off a meal, and they can be even better if they’re paired with mezze. Here are some ideas for drinks to try together with your menu:
- Beer
- Wine
- Raki (Greek anise-flavored liqueur)
- Cocktails that don’t have too much alcohol in them (like sangria or mojitos).
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for fun non-alcoholic drink options like kombucha or watermelon lemonade!
Most popular mezze Dishes
The most popular mezze dishes are definitely hummus and falafel, as well as other yummy spreads such as baba ghanoush and labneh, salads (tabbouleh, fattoush), stuffed olives, dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), different types of hard cheeses, meatballs, accompanied by some flatbread, of course.
Mezze vs. Tapas – similarities and differences
The word “mezze” itself comes from Arabic, but it has become popular around the world and is now often used interchangeably with tapas. But let’s see if they’re the same thing or not.
While both tapas and mezze are small plates of food served informally, there are some key differences between the two. First, while both can be consumed as an appetizer or a full meal depending on what else you’re serving and how many people you’re feeding, mezze tends to be lighter than tapas. This is because most dishes tend to contain fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and spices rather than meat and sauces.
Second, while tapas can be served as a main course with other dishes like rice or potatoes on the side, mezze are usually eaten as the only dish in a meal. This is because they tend to be lighter and more elegantly prepared than tapas which makes them feel more appropriate at an upscale event or celebration.
Finally, tapas are Spanish in origin, while mezze are Middle Eastern.
Mezze Recipes
Mezze can be made with many ingredients and flavors, but they are mostly vegetarian and often involve herbs like mint, parsley, cilantro, and dill; spices such as cumin and paprika; legumes like chickpeas; fruits like tomatoes or olives; dairy products such as cheese or yogurt; and more.
Mezzes are usually served cold at room temperature because they’re meant to be eaten while drinking alcohol (although there’s also hot mezze meaning dishes such as kofta). They’re also best on their own rather than with other foods since some flavors can overpower one another when eaten together.
If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration, my list of recipes below will surely help you create the best mezze-style dinner party! Check them out! 🙂
Best Hummus Recipe
This is the basic Lebanese hummus recipe, made easy! Get the creamiest homemade hummus every time, without peeling the chickpeas!
Healthy Vegan Falafel
Healthy vegan falafel recipe, without deep frying, GF flour and with lots of fresh parsley!
Baba Ganoush
Learn how to make baba ganoush, the easy way! This delicious, fresh and flavorful Middle Eastern eggplant appetizer will surely become your favorite!
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This quinoa tabbouleh recipe is for those of you who want a high protein healthy meal with delicious flavors! It’s ready in no time and it’s so much better than bulgur wheat tabbouleh!
Muhammara | Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Spread
This muhammara recipe is a traditional Syrian recipe with roasted red peppers and walnuts. It can be used as a spread and it’s perfect as an appetizer!
Mutabal | Tahini Eggplant Spread
Mutabal is an incredibly delicious eggplant spread made with tahini and served as an appetizer at brunches or parties! Learn how to make this delicious recipe that will surely become your favorite!
Manakish Zaatar
Manakish Zaatar or spiced pita bread is a popular Middle Eastern recipe very similar to pizza. It’s bursting with flavors and can be served as a snack or for breakfast, lunch and even dinner.
Hummus Beiruti
if you love spicy food and hummus, then you’ll love this hummus Beiruti recipe! It has a subtle spiciness and it’s so much better than the classic, simple hummus you are probably used to.
Batata Harra | Spicy Roasted Potatoes
This Batata Harra / spicy roasted potatoes recipe will quickly become your favorite way of cooking potatoes! They’re fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, plus they’re bursting with amazing flavors!
Turkish Pide
Do you love pizza? Here’s an awesome variation for the classic pizza – Turkish pide – which you’ll surely enjoy.
Mini Falafel Bites
These mini falafel bites can be used as snacks, party appetizers or accompany a delicious mashed potato with salad meal. Check out the recipe below!
Couscous Salad | Ready in 15 minutes!
This easy couscous salad is ready in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for lunch and best served cold! Give it a try!
White Bean Hummus
This white bean hummus recipe is even better than the traditional chickpea hummus! It’s velvety smooth and has an incredible taste!
Pumpkin Hummus
Bored of the plain, old hummus? Here’s how to make an incredibly creamy and flavorful pumpkin hummus. Perfect for an autumn appetizer plate!
Pink Falafels
Bored of the classic falafel? Get ready for a splash of pink! These pink falafels made with beetroot are super healthy, super delicious, and super gorgeous as well!
Feta Mint Yogurt Dip
This feta mint yogurt dip is a simple and easy yogurt appetizer, inspired by the Lebanese cuisine. It’s a perfect appetizer served on parties, with crackers, pita bread or toasts.
Labneh
Do you want to learn how to make labneh at home? Here’s the easiest step-by-step recipe that will help you make the creamiest labneh ever, plus a bit of information about this wonderful Lebanese dip!
Spicy Chili and Mint Yogurt Dip
This chili mint yogurt dip recipe was inspired by one of Jamie Oliver’s recipe and it’s perfect for pouring over some oven-roasted veggies!
Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus
Tired of the basic hummus recipe? Try this roasted red bell pepper hummus with a lovely red-orange color and amazing taste!
Marinated Eggplant Hummus + How to marinate eggplants!
This marinated eggplant hummus has a special taste you’ll love! The marinated eggplants are garlicky and slightly sour and will turn this hummus into a delicious blend of flavors.
Dessert Hummus
I want to turn your world upside-down today: here’s to make dessert hummus! Have you ever thought about it? If not, let me tell you: it’s super delicious and extremely easy to make!
If you make this, please leave a review and rating if you liked this recipe! ★★★★★
