How To Make An Easy Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

What To Include in A Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

A good Greek mezze platter will have a variety of textures. The key word here is variety. Use lots of small bowls to house an array of dips, and use just a little bit of everything to create a delicious spread of finger foods with lots of different flavors.

• Cheese. I like using a combo of soft and hard cheese. For this board, I used a block of Parmesan and marinated mozzarella. But use whatever you prefer.
• Cured Meats. This is optional, but I love just a little bit of meat on a Mediterranean board. Prosciutto, soppressata, chorizo, or other types of cured sausages all work great here. Of course, if you're aiming to make this a vegetarian charcuterie board, feel free to just omit any meat.
• An assortment of dips. A classic hummus is an obvious choice for dips, but there are tons of different types of Middle Eastern dips to choose from, so use an assortment. I added a whipped feta to this board, in addition to the hummus. 
• A variety of olives. Briny olives are a nice complement to the cheeses here, and no Mediterranean mezze platter would be complete without them. Any type of olive really works on a charcuterie board, so use a variety. Castelvetrano, Kalamata, or green olives are great here. An olive tapenade would also be a great addition.
• Bread or crackers. I love adding pita bread to a Mediterranean grazing board. You can buy it in rounds and then just cut it into 8ths. I also like toasting it slightly and serving it warm.
• Fresh vegetables. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers are what I had on hand when I made this, but red peppers are also a favorite. 
• Fresh fruits. Grapes are an easy crowd-pleaser and a great option for any appetizer platter. Sliced pears, apples, or fresh figs are also great. 
• Dolmeh. Dolmeh is made with grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs (and sometimes meat). They're a classic Mediterranean dish and a great addition to this board.
• Fresh herbs. This may seem like a strange addition, but fresh herbs can add so much flavor to an appetizer board. I like to tuck parsley, dill, or even chives into little nooks and crannies around the Mediterranean mezze platter. They taste great with bites of cheese or meat or as an accompaniment to your dips. (Plus, they look really pretty!)

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese options. Try different types of cheeses here to mix up the flavors! Feta cheese and goat cheese are both classics, and grilled halloumi cheese can make for a special treat (especially when served with warm pita bread).  
• Unique hummus flavors. You could make your own hummus if you're into that, but these days, the selection of store-bought hummus is so vast you'll likely find a great selection at your local supermarket. Look for flavors that will complement your other items on the platter.
• Different dips. Baba ganoush, tabbouleh, olive tapenade, whipped feta, Tzatziki, or even lentil-based dips - there are loads of delicious Mediterranean dips to choose from.
• Add dried fruits or nuts.  Marcona almonds would be a nice addition, as would dried apricots. 
• Make it more of a meal. One of my favorite things to do sometimes is to use this board as a base and add a few more items to really make it a full meal. Grilled chicken, kabobs, or even grilled steak are great ways to round out this Mediterranean platter. You can even use hearty falafel to make this into more of a falafel platter!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making A Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

As I've mentioned above, a Mediterranean mezze board is one of the easiest ways to entertain. To start, you'll need a handful of small bowls, small dishes, or a large wooden board or appetizer platter to place everything on. This will vary depending on what items you choose to use on your snack board. 

Step 1: Start with your "anchors".

To assemble your platter, place your larger items on the board as a starting point. For me, that's usually the cheeses and small bowls of dips.  Use these as your anchors and begin to fill in around them.

Step 2: Add the pita bread.

Next, I like to add the pita bread and crackers, positioning them around the board in a few spots. 

Step 3: Add the fillers.

Finally, fill in the empty spots with your olives, fruit, veggies, and other small items.  

Step 4: Add the herbs.

Finish by tucking herbs around the board.

Best Tips for a Greek Charcuterie Board

• Choose a mixture of different types of cheeses. Hard, soft, spreadable - they all work and add variety to your board.
• Add different kinds of dippers. I love a mix of soft pita bread and crackers.
• Load up on the veggies and fruit. These add tons of visual color to your board and are usually easy and inexpensive to source.
• Add a few fun extras! I love the addition of different types of olives, the dolma, and sardines on this board since it makes it feel fun and unique.
• Don't forget the garnish! A few well-placed sprigs of herbs add some interest to the board.

Frequently Asked Questions

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