Mezze Platter

Our easy Greek Mezze Platter is perfect for a simple evening with friends! You don’t have to cook any of this, and it’s all about artfully preparing a gorgeous platter with easy ingredients!

For more delicious platters that would be perfect for any occasion, check out my Crudité Platter, the Ultimate Cheese Platter, and my Burrata Platter with marinated tomatoes.

Mezze Platter

I love hosting with mezze platters because they’re so easy and everyone loves them! You get to enjoy all those amazing Greek and Mediterranean flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

A mezze platter is basically the best snack board ever – full of yummy dips, fresh veggies, soft pita bread, and tasty nibbles that people can’t stop eating! It’s perfect for casual get-togethers or when you want to impress without the stress.

You can totally customize your platter based on what you and your friends love most. Love hummus? Add three different kinds! Crazy about olives? Pile them on! The best part is that you can buy most items ready-made from your favorite grocery store or local deli.

It’s such a fun way to entertain because you can set everything up before your guests arrive, then actually enjoy the party instead of being stuck cooking. Plus, the colorful spread looks gorgeous on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Mezze Platter

Easy entertaining solution – A mezze platter is perfect for every occasion. It’s the ultimate low-stress option that still feels special and intentional!

Minimal prep work – Skip the complicated cooking and hours in the kitchen. Store-bought dips and simple ingredients come together quickly for an impressive spread that looks like you put in way more effort than you did.

Endlessly adaptable – Create a mezze board that suits your taste preferences or what you already have in the fridge. Vegetarian, gluten-free, or protein-packed versions are all possible with just a few simple swaps.

Instagram-worthy presentation – These platters aren’t just tasty—they’re gorgeous! The rainbow of colors from bright vegetables, creamy dips, and vibrant olives creates a feast for the eyes that guests will admire before diving in.

Made for sharing – Mezze platters naturally encourage conversation and connection as everyone gathers around to sample different bites and create their perfect flavor combinations.

What to Put on a Mezze Platter

Creating a mezze platter is all about variety. The best part is you can mix store-bought items with one or two homemade elements to create something that feels special but doesn’t take hours. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

Dips and Spreads

The heart of any mezze platter is the selection of dips. Aim for at least 3 different options:

• Hummus: Classic, roasted red pepper, or garlic
• Baba Ganoush: Smoky roasted eggplant dip
• Tzatziki: Cooling cucumber yogurt dip
• Garlic Dip: Goes perfectly with the veggies on the platter.
• Tahini Yogurt Dip: Creamy and tangy
• Whipped Goat Cheese: Smooth and creamy
• Tabbouleh: Fresh herb and bulgur salad
• Greek Fava: Yellow split pea purée
• Beet Dip: For a splash of bold color
• Mutabbal: Eggplant dip with tahini

Cheeses

Mediterranean cheeses add richness and texture:

• Feta: Crumbled or in blocks with olive oil and herbs
• Halloumi: Try it grilled for something special
• Kefalotiri: Hard, salty Greek cheese
• Greek Gruyere: Mild and slightly sweet

Vegetables and Fruits

Fresh produce adds color, crunch, and healthy options:

• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Radishes
• Roasted red peppers
• Marinated artichokes
• Apricots: Dried or fresh for sweetness
• Lemon wedges

Olives and Pickled Items

These add tang and interest to your platter:

• Kalamata olives: Classic Greek option
• Green olives: Try stuffed varieties
• Marinated Olives: This easy recipe is perfect for this board!
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Intense flavor boost
• Pickled peppers: For heat and acidity
• Marinated mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful

Protein Options

• Dolmathakia: Stuffed grape leaves
• Soft-boiled eggs: Halved with a sprinkle of za’atar
• Greek sausage
• Anchovies
• Prosciutto or other cured meats: For a non-traditional addition

Bread and Crackers

Essential for scooping up all those delicious dips:

• Warm pita bread: Cut into triangles
• Pita chips
• Breadsticks
• Lavash: Thin, crispy flatbread
• Sesame crackers

Nuts and Garnishes

Finishing touches that add texture and visual appeal:

• Almonds: Raw or roasted
• Pistachios: In or out of shells
• Pine nuts: Toasted for extra flavor
• Fresh herbs: Mint, dill, or parsley sprigs
• Edible flowers: For a beautiful presentation
• High-quality olive oil: For drizzling
• Za’atar or sumac: For sprinkling

Store-Bought Shortcuts for Your Mezze Platter

Here are some of my favorite quality store-bought items that will make your platter easy to assemble while still tasting amazing:

• Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus
• Cedar’s Baba Ganoush
• Divina Roasted Red Peppers
• Mezzetta Marinated Artichoke Hearts
• Divina Kalamata Olives
• Boar’s Head Tzatziki
• Kronos Authentic Greek Pita
• Wild Garden Dolmas
• Stonefire Naan (as a pita alternative)

Remember, it’s all about creating a beautiful spread with minimal effort. Choose items you and your guests will enjoy, and don’t be afraid to customize based on what’s available!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

1. Prep your dips in advance: Store-bought dips can be transferred to serving bowls and refrigerated (covered) for up to 24 hours before your gathering. Homemade dips like hummus and baba ganoush actually taste better when made 1-2 days ahead, allowing flavors to develop.
2. Prepare vegetables strategically: Wash and slice cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture and keep them crisp.
3. Marinate items early: Olives, artichoke hearts, and feta can be marinated with herbs, olive oil, and lemon zest 1-2 days before serving for enhanced flavor.
4. Pre-portion cheese and meats: Cut cheeses and slice any cured meats the day before and store covered in the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature about 30 minutes before assembling.
5. Toast pita bread just before serving: While you can prepare other elements ahead of time, warm bread is key to a perfect mezze platter. Toast pita triangles shortly before guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.

Storage

Proper storage of leftovers will help you enjoy your mezze items for days after the party.

• Store dips in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Add a thin layer of olive oil on top of hummus and baba ganoush to prevent them from drying out.
• Keep leftover vegetables separate from dips and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate olives and marinated items in their brine or oil for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap leftover pita bread tightly in foil, then place in a plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat before serving again.
• Leftover feta cheese should be stored in brine or olive oil in the refrigerator for maximum freshness for up to 7 days.
• For a quick meal the next day, stuff leftover mezze items into a pita pocket with fresh greens for an easy Mediterranean sandwich!

Serving Guide

Not sure how much to prepare? Here’s a helpful guide to ensure you have enough delicious mezze for everyone at your gathering, whether you’re serving it as a light meal or as part of a larger spread.

• 4 Guests – Prepare about 4-5 cups of mezze items total, including dips, vegetables, cheese, and olives.
• 8 Guests – You will need about 8-10 cups of assorted mezze components.
• 12 Guests – Plan for approximately 12-15 cups of items to ensure nobody goes hungry.

A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-1.5 cups of mezze items per guest if this is your main offering. If you’re serving alongside other dishes, aim for ½-¾ cup per person.

For a well-balanced mezze platter, try to include:

• 3 different dips (at least ½ cup of each)
• 2-3 varieties of vegetables (about 1 cup total per 4 people)
• 1-2 types of olives or pickled items (about ½ cup total)
• Some feta cheese or other Mediterranean cheese (about 4 oz for 4 people)
• Enough pita bread or pita chips for dipping (2-3 pieces per person)
• A small assortment of nuts, dried fruit, or dolmas for variety

Remember to consider how filling each component is! Lighter items like sliced cucumbers will disappear faster than heartier options like stuffed grape leaves or cheese, so adjust accordingly.

Eden’s Tips for a Stunning Mezze Platter

Choose quality over quantity: It’s better to have fewer items of higher quality than too many mediocre options. Splurge on really good olive oil for drizzling and fresh pita from a local bakery if possible!

Create color contrast: Arrange items with different colors next to each other – place bright red tomatoes near green olives or white feta cheese for visual pop.

Think about temperature: Serve your mezze platter at room temperature for the best flavor. Take cheese and dips out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.

Add fresh herbs: Tuck sprigs of fresh mint, dill, or parsley around the platter for color and aroma. They’re not just garnish – guests can add them to their bites for extra flavor!

Don’t forget the extras: Small bowls of flaky sea salt, za’atar, or sumac placed around the platter let guests customize their bites.

Refill strategically: For longer gatherings, keep backup supplies of popular items ready in the fridge to refill as needed rather than putting everything out at once.

Make it accessible: Place the platter where everyone can reach it easily, and provide small plates so guests can build their perfect bite without hovering over the board.

How to Toast Pita Bread

There is nothing better to dip in hummus than pillowy soft pita bread! Serve warm with salt and olive oil and everyone will be happy!

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the pita bread into 4 triangles. You can do 8 triangles if you prefer smaller pieces.
3. Place in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil and salt.
4. Bake in the oven for about 7 minutes. You want the pita to still be soft, but warm.

What Drinks to Serve with Greek Food

Since Mezze is supposed to be shared over drinks with friends, wine and ouzo are a must!

Ouzo is a traditional, dry anise-flavored Greek aperitif. It’s served very cold in a shot glass before the meal. Ouzo is distilled from the remnants of grapes pressed for wine and flavored with spices like anise. Impress your guests by serving this before everyone digs into the platter.

For the wine, try something light and crisp, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. You can also pair it with a light sparkling wine, too.

Check out our very handy tips for serving wine and the types of wine chart, or serve cold beer, which would go great with the food.

More Food Party Ideas You’ll Enjoy

Looking for more party food ideas. Here are some of our favorite recipes to make for a gathering:

• How to Host a Wine and Cheese Party
• Artichoke Dip and Peppers
• Crudité Platter
• How to Make a Cheese Platter
• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Marinated Olives
• The Best Whipped Goat Cheese
• Easy Fruit Platter and Fruit Dip
• Burrata Platter with Delicious Marinated Tomatoes
• How to Make a Caviar Appetizer Platter

If you’re looking for an easy dessert to serve with this yummy platter, make our Dessert Charcuterie Board!