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There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a vibrant Arabic breakfast mezze platter. Packed with fresh flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a variety of small dishes, this traditional Middle Eastern spread is more than just a meal—it’s an experience meant for sharing. From creamy hummus and tangy labneh to hearty foul medames, crispy falafel, and warm pita bread, every bite brings comfort and authenticity to the breakfast table.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to recreate an authentic Arabic breakfast at home. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, looking for healthy Mediterranean-inspired recipes, or simply curious about Middle Eastern food culture, you’ll find everything you need to build the perfect mezze platter.
Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Mezze Platter
Creating a true Arabic breakfast mezze platter starts with a mix of dips, spreads, proteins, fresh vegetables, and warm bread. Each dish is simple on its own, but when brought together, they create a colorful and flavorful breakfast spread. Here are the essentials you’ll need:
Popular Dishes: Hummus, Labneh, and Baba Ganoush
- Hummus: Blend 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic, and juice of 1 lemon until smooth. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and parsley.
- Labneh: Drain 500 g plain full-fat yogurt overnight in a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar.
- Baba Ganoush: Roast 2 medium eggplants until soft, then mash with 2 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic, and juice of 1 lemon for a smoky dip.
Proteins and Sides: Falafel, Foul Medames, and Shakshuka
- Falafel: Use 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight), blended with ½ onion, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup parsley, and spices. Form small balls and fry until golden.
- Foul Medames: Warm 2 cups cooked fava beans with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 garlic clove (crushed), and juice of ½ lemon. Garnish with parsley and cumin.
- Shakshuka: Simmer 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, and 2 cups canned tomatoes with spices (paprika, cumin, chili flakes). Crack in 4–5 eggs and cook until set.
Fresh Additions: Vegetables, Olives, and Herbs
- Vegetables: Slice 2 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, and add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing side.
- Olives: Offer a mix of green and black olives, about 1 cup, marinated in olive oil and herbs.
- Za’atar & Olive Oil: Place 3 tbsp za’atar spice mix in a small bowl with olive oil for dipping bread.
Arabic Bread and Pita: The Foundation of the Breakfast Table
No mezze platter is complete without warm bread.
- Pita Bread: Use 6–8 small rounds of fresh pita, warmed before serving.
- Arabic Flatbread (Khobz): If available, add 2–3 pieces of traditional flatbread to scoop up dips and spreads.
✨ Tip: Aim for at least 3 dips, 1–2 proteins, and a mix of fresh sides to balance flavors and textures. This way, your platter feels abundant without being overwhelming.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Arabic Breakfast Spread
An Arabic breakfast mezze platter is all about balance: creamy dips, hearty proteins, fresh vegetables, and warm bread, all arranged beautifully to share. Here’s how to build yours step by step:
Preparing Dips and Spreads in Advance
- Make-Ahead Dips: Start with the classics like hummus, labneh, and baba ganoush. These can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge.
- Storage Tip: Keep dips covered in airtight containers, then drizzle with fresh olive oil before serving to restore freshness.
- Serving Bowls: Use small bowls or ramekins for each dip to keep the platter organized and visually appealing.
Cooking Warm Dishes Like Falafel and Shakshuka
- Falafel: Shape and fry your falafel right before serving so they stay crisp and warm. You can prep the mixture in advance and refrigerate it.
- Foul Medames: Warm fava beans gently with olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Serve in a shallow dish with a drizzle of extra oil and parsley.
- Shakshuka: Cook the tomato sauce ahead of time, then add the eggs when you’re ready to serve. This keeps the yolks soft and fresh.
Arranging the Mezze Platter for Sharing
- Layer the Flavors: Place dips like hummus, labneh, and baba ganoush around the platter, with warm proteins (falafel, shakshuka) in the center.
- Add Freshness: Surround the dishes with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and herbs like mint for color and crunch.
- Bread on the Side: Warm pita or Arabic flatbread should be served in a basket or cloth to keep it soft. Place it nearby for easy scooping.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle za’atar, sesame seeds, or fresh parsley over dips for a beautiful finish.
✨ Pro Tip: A mezze platter is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Use a large wooden board, marble tray, or even several small plates to create a welcoming spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying Your Mezze Platter
A mezze platter is more than just food—it’s about sharing, tradition, and hospitality. The way you serve and enjoy it can make the experience truly authentic. Here are some helpful tips:
How to Serve Mezze Family-Style or Buffet-Style
- Family-Style: Place the platter in the center of the table so everyone can scoop, dip, and share. This is the most traditional way to enjoy an Arabic breakfast.
- Buffet-Style: For larger gatherings, set up small bowls of each dish with spoons for easy self-service. Provide plenty of bread on the side.
- Portioning Tip: Plan for about 3–4 small dishes per person, plus bread and fresh vegetables to balance the spread.
Pairing Arabic Breakfast with Tea or Arabic Coffee
- Mint Tea: Freshly brewed black tea with mint leaves and a touch of sugar is a refreshing, authentic drink.
- Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): Lightly roasted coffee brewed with cardamom offers a warm, spiced pairing. Serve in small cups.
- Fresh Juices: Orange juice, pomegranate juice, or date milk are also popular with breakfast platters.
Storing Leftovers and Making Mezze Ahead of Time
- Dips and Spreads: Store hummus, labneh, and baba ganoush in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Falafel: Keep cooked falafel in the fridge for 2 days or freeze for longer. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Fresh Vegetables: Slice cucumbers and tomatoes just before serving to avoid sogginess. Leftovers can be used in salads later.
- Bread: Wrap pita or flatbread in a clean kitchen towel after warming to keep it soft. If you have leftovers, freeze them in a sealed bag.
✨ Pro Tip: To capture the true Middle Eastern experience, serve mezze slowly, encouraging guests to taste a little of everything while enjoying good company.
