61 delicious mezze recipes from around the world
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 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.
A rich and flavorful Persian appetizer featuring smoky, mashed eggplant blended with tangy kashk (fermented whey), caramelized onions, and aromatic mint. This dish offers a complex balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making it a truly addictive and bold start to any meal.
A classic Lebanese summer dish featuring tender green beans slowly braised with ripe tomatoes, onions, and garlic in abundant olive oil. This dish is traditionally served at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings.
A traditional Lebanese delicacy, Kibbeh Nayeh is a finely textured raw lamb and bulgur dish, seasoned with spices and served with olive oil. It's a testament to the freshness of ingredients and the trust between the cook and the diner.
Fasolia bil Zeit, meaning 'beans in oil,' is a classic Palestinian meze or side dish. It features tender green beans stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, often served at room temperature or chilled, making it perfect for warm weather.
A vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern salad, Fattoush is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy toasted pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac-lemon dressing. It's a classic mezze dish perfect as a side or a light meal.
A classic Lebanese mezze dish featuring crispy, golden-brown fried cauliflower florets drizzled with a tangy tahini-lemon sauce. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
A staple of Cypriot cuisine, these are vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, and fresh herbs, slow-cooked in a tomato-based broth.
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.
Tender grape leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, often seasoned with tomato and lemon. This vegan dish is a staple appetizer or side dish in Israeli cuisine, enjoyed hot or cold.
Baby eggplants are blanched, salted, and then stuffed with a flavorful mixture of walnuts, garlic, and chili peppers. They are then preserved in olive oil, creating a tangy, savory delicacy that's a staple in Jordanian mezze.
A delectable variation of kibbeh, these fried dumplings are infused with aromatic spices and cooked in clarified butter (saman) for an exceptionally rich flavor.
