mezze Recipes
63 delicious mezze recipes from around the world
Makanek (Lebanese Spiced Lamb Sausages)
Authentic Lebanese makanek are small, intensely flavored lamb sausages, pan-fried to a perfect crisp and then coated in a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses glaze. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, making this a popular dish for breakfast or as part of a mezze spread.
Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Patties)
Mercimek Köftesi are delicious, savory patties made from red lentils and fine bulgur, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Traditionally served as a vegan mezze or appetizer, they are flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Mirza Ghasemi
A beloved Northern Persian specialty from the Gilan province, this dish features smoky grilled eggplant mashed with sautéed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and enriched with eggs. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect served with fresh bread.
Mutabbal
Syrian smoky eggplant dip - fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and pomegranate molasses. This mutabbal offers a deeper, more intense smoky flavor than traditional baba ganoush.
Sambousek (Lebanese Meat Pies)
Crispy, golden fried pastries filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb, onions, and toasted pine nuts. A quintessential mezze dish, perfect for sharing.
Shanklish
Shanklish is a traditional Lebanese aged cheese, typically formed into balls and coated with zaatar and chili flakes. It's a flavorful mezze with a distinct, pungent aroma and taste, often enjoyed with fresh vegetables and bread.
Tabbouleh
A vibrant and refreshing Lebanese parsley salad, where fresh herbs, particularly parsley and mint, are the stars, complemented by a small amount of fine bulgur, diced tomatoes, and scallions, all brought together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced rice and ground lamb, then gently braised until meltingly soft. A beloved classic of Levantine cuisine.
Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Delicate grape leaves meticulously rolled around a fragrant rice and herb filling, then gently simmered. A quintessential cold mezze, perfect for sharing.
Zeytoon Parvardeh (Marinated Olives with Pomegranate and Walnuts)
A vibrant and flavorful Northern Iranian appetizer featuring briny green olives marinated with crunchy walnuts, tangy pomegranate molasses, aromatic garlic, and the unique spice of golpar. This dish is best prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Besara (Egyptian Fava Bean Dip)
A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian dip made from tender fava beans and a generous amount of fresh herbs. This vegetarian classic is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, served with crusty bread.
Egyptian Baba Ghanouj
A classic Egyptian mezze dip, this Baba Ghanouj features intensely smoky eggplant blended with creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. Perfect for scooping with warm pita bread.
Mahshi Warak Enab (Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Authentic Egyptian Mahshi Warak Enab, featuring tender grape leaves meticulously stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and a hint of tomato. This version is known for its smaller size and bright, lemony flavor profile, distinguishing it from other regional variations.
Salatet Zaitoun (Egyptian Olive Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Egyptian appetizer featuring briny green olives, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as part of a mezze spread.
Zaalouk (Moroccan Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Salad)
A quintessential Moroccan mezze, Zaalouk is a deeply flavorful and smoky salad made from tender eggplant and ripe tomatoes, slow-cooked with aromatic spices. It's perfect served at room temperature or chilled with crusty bread for dipping.