Mezze Platter For A Mediterranean Dessert

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Mezze platters are similar to charcuterie boards. They are Mediterranean fare that can give you either a savory snack tray or, in this case, a deliciously healthy dessert tray you can share with friends and family.

This Mezze platter is perfect for a “finger food” dessert tray you can serve for the holidays. It’s healthy, decadent, and perfect for those who follow a Mediterranean style of eating.

What Is A Mezze Platter?

A mezze platter is a collection of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers or snacks in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and some parts of Central Asian cuisines. Mezze is more than just a type of food; it represents a style of dining that focuses on sharing and socializing.

This style of dining is prevalent across several regions and cultures, including Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Cyprus, Syria, Egypt, Greece, and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

How Do You Pronounce “Mezze Platter”?

“Meh-zay plah-ter”

The word “mezze” (or “meze”) is pronounced “meh-zay,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The “platter” part is pronounced as you would typically say the word “platter.”

The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on accents and regional dialects, but this is a pretty close representation of how it’s commonly pronounced in English.

Mezze Platter Components

Mezze platters are pretty much open season for anything you want to snack on. But if you are aiming for a certain type of platter, such as this dessert mezze platter, there are some components you’ll want to make sure you have on hand. While this is not an all-inclusive list of all the things you can put on a Mezze platter, it’s what I used here to make mine.

Mezze Platter Tips

There are certain things to consider when putting together a mezze platter, regardless of whether is a dessert platter or a snack platter.

Variety is Key

Include a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Mix and match different items such as dips, cheeses, olives, veggies, nuts, bread, and proteins.

Arrangement

Arrange the items in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Start with larger items like bowls of dips and cheeses, then fill in the gaps with smaller items. Create sections or clusters to keep similar items together.

Serve at Room Temperature

Mezze is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine. Take the dips and cheeses out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Customize to Preferences

Consider the dietary preferences or restrictions of your guests. You can create a mezze platter that is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free by choosing suitable ingredients.

Size of Platter

Use an appropriately sized platter based on the number of people you’re serving. You want to ensure there’s enough space to display all the elements without overcrowding.

For dessert mezze platters

Opt for fresh and dried fruits and nuts. Arrange them in small bowls or on plates around the platter.

What Does A Mezze Platter Consist Of?

While it’s easy to throw together a simple snack platter, making it appropriate for dessert requires a little forethought to make sure you have a nice balance of flavors. Here are some ideas.

Dips and Spreads

1. Jams: Look for 100% fruit spreads.
2. Honey: Any type will work.
3. Date Caramel: Great for dipping fruits into. Try making your own.
4. Plain Greek Yogurt: Offers a nice balance for the sweetness on your platter.

Cheeses

Add a selection of cheeses, even if your mezze platter is for dessert items. The following cheeses go well with sweet or savory foods and offer a balance of flavors for sweet foods.

1. Soft Cheeses:
   • Brie: Its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor work well with fruits like apples, pears, and berries.
   • Camembert: Similar to Brie but with a slightly earthy taste, pairing beautifully with figs, grapes, and apricots.
   • Goat Cheese: Its tangy, slightly acidic taste pairs wonderfully with honey, figs, and dried apricots.
2. Blue Cheeses:
   • Gorgonzola: Creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy, which pairs deliciously with fresh figs, pears, and honey.
   • Roquefort: Intense and creamy, a perfect match for grapes, apples, and dates due to its sharp flavor.
3. Semi-Soft Cheeses:
   • Havarti: Its buttery taste complements fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, offering a mild yet flavorful addition.
   • Fontina: A nutty and buttery cheese that pairs well with dried figs, dates, and apple slices.
4. Hard Cheeses:
   • Manchego: Its nutty flavor goes well with fresh and dried fruits such as quince paste, dates, and apples.
   • Parmesan: Though not conventionally paired with fruits, its nuttiness can complement dried fruits like figs or apricots when shaved thinly.
5. Fresh Cheese:
   • Ricotta: Light and slightly sweet, perfect with fresh berries, figs, and a drizzle of honey.

Olives

While most folks consider these to be items for a savory board, they can also be included on dessert boards to create a nice balance of flavors.

Breads and Crackers

While I did not include them on my board, you can certainly offer an assortment of bread and crackers that go well with sweet items for dipping and spreading. Pita bread, flatbreads, lavash, or sliced baguette work well.

Nuts and Seeds

Add some texture with roasted nuts like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. You can also sprinkle some seeds, like sesame or pumpkin seeds, over the platter.

Cakes Or Cookies

Cake: Try thin slices of Orange Almond Cake arranged nicely.

Cookies: Offer small Oatmeal Cookies or even rum balls.

Enhance with Extras

Try dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate squares.

You can also offer things like Matcha Energy Balls dipped in dark chocolate.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, it’s best to package up each item individually in airtight containers. Try not to store items together in the same container. They will stay fresher longer that way.

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Dessert Mezze Platter Recipe Card