Mediterranean Burrata & Greek Halloumi Mezze Grazing Board
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 4
This Mediterranean Burrata & Greek Halloumi Mezze Grazing Board brings together creamy Italian burrata and golden, salty Greek halloumi for the ultimate fusion of flavors. It’s a bright, balanced spread that mixes fresh produce, savory cheeses, and classic mezze favorites like hummus and roasted red peppers. Perfect for entertaining or a light dinner, this board celebrates everything that makes Mediterranean food so inviting—simple ingredients, vibrant colors, and bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Components:
1 ball fresh burrata cheese
6–8 slices halloumi cheese
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying halloumi)
Fresh Elements:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, sliced
¼ cup kalamata olives
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 small handful arugula or mixed greens
Lemon wedges, for serving
Mezze Additions:
¼ cup hummus or tzatziki
¼ cup roasted red peppers
Pita bread, naan, or crackers
1 tbsp honey or balsamic glaze (for drizzling on burrata)
Fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the halloumi:
Slice the halloumi into pieces about ½ inch thick. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
Arrange the burrata:
Place the burrata in the center of your serving board or platter. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or honey (or balsamic glaze) to enhance its creamy texture.
Add the fresh elements:
Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, and red onion around the burrata. Add the arugula or greens for a touch of freshness and color.
Add the mezze favorites:
Place small bowls of hummus or tzatziki and roasted red peppers around the board. Add warm pita bread, naan, or crackers for dipping and scooping.
Finish with the halloumi:
Arrange the golden halloumi slices beside the burrata and fresh veggies. You can squeeze a little lemon over the halloumi for brightness.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil or mint leaves, drizzle a bit more olive oil or glaze if desired, and serve immediately while the halloumi is warm and the burrata is soft and creamy.
Tips & Variations
Get the Perfect Halloumi Texture
For crispy, golden halloumi, make sure the pan is hot before adding the slices. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed. Avoid moving the cheese too soon; let it sear for about 1–2 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Overcooking can make it tough, so keep an eye on it.
Balance the Flavors
Halloumi is salty, while burrata is mild and creamy. Pairing them with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of something sweet (like honey or balsamic glaze) helps balance everything. A squeeze of lemon just before serving also lifts the richness.
Warm the Bread
Always warm pita, naan, or flatbread before serving. A quick toast in a skillet or a few minutes in the oven makes them soft and perfect for scooping burrata or hummus.
Add More Mediterranean Flair
You can expand the mezze theme with extras like:
Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) for a tangy bite.
Artichoke hearts or grilled zucchini for a savory element.
Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch.
Mix and Match Dips
Hummus and tzatziki are classics, but feel free to include roasted eggplant dip (baba ganoush), muhammara (spicy red pepper dip), or whipped feta. Having two or three dips adds depth and variety.
Customize the Drizzle
Instead of honey, try pomegranate molasses, fig syrup, or a herbed olive oil drizzle. Each gives a slightly different Mediterranean accent. Balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with burrata’s creaminess.
Keep It Fresh and Colorful
Use a mix of vibrant vegetables—yellow tomatoes, red peppers, purple onions, and green herbs. The variety of colors makes the board visually striking and appetizing.
Swap the Greens
Arugula adds a peppery touch, but you can use spinach, baby kale, or even fresh oregano sprigs for a different flavor profile. For a more hearty board, include roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers instead of greens.
Make It Vegetarian or Pescatarian
The board is naturally vegetarian, but you can make it pescatarian by adding grilled shrimp or smoked salmon. Both pair nicely with burrata’s mild flavor and halloumi’s saltiness.
Serve Burrata at Room Temperature
Take the burrata out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before serving. This helps it reach its ideal creamy texture and allows its subtle flavor to shine. Cold burrata tends to taste flat and firm.
Elevate the Presentation
Use a wooden or marble board for contrast. Arrange ingredients in small clusters rather than lines, mixing colors and textures. Keep dips in small bowls or ramekins to contain mess and add height.
Make It a Meal
If you want to serve this as a light dinner, add grilled chicken skewers, roasted chickpeas, or a side salad with lemon vinaigrette. It transforms the board from appetizer to full Mediterranean feast.
Q&A
Q1: Can I make this grazing board ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the elements ahead—slice the vegetables, portion out the dips, and arrange everything except the halloumi and burrata. Just before serving, cook the halloumi and add the burrata so both are fresh and at the right temperature. Warm bread should also be added last for the best texture.
Q2: How do I stop the halloumi from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick skillet and let the pan heat properly before adding oil. When the oil shimmers, add the halloumi slices. Avoid flipping too early; once the underside develops a crust, it will release easily on its own.
Q3: What can I use if I can’t find burrata?
You can replace burrata with fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, or whipped ricotta. These alternatives keep the creamy texture and mild flavor that balance the stronger elements on the board.
Q4: How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftover vegetables, dips, and halloumi in separate airtight containers. Halloumi can be reheated in a pan for a few seconds on each side to regain its crispness. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t store well once opened.
Q5: What drinks pair well with this mezze board?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light rosé, or sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh and salty balance of the cheeses. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced mint tea or citrus-infused water.
Q6: Can I grill the halloumi instead of frying it?
Yes. Grilling adds a light smoky flavor. Brush the slices with olive oil and grill for about 2 minutes per side until you see golden grill marks.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 420–460 kcal
Protein: 18–20 g
Fat: 30–33 g
Carbohydrates: 20–22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Calcium: 35% DV
Sodium: 650–700 mg
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Values vary depending on the portion sizes, type of bread, and dips used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Burrata & Greek Halloumi Mezze Grazing Board is a perfect mix of creamy, salty, and fresh flavors that turns simple ingredients into something special. The warm halloumi contrasts beautifully with the cool, rich burrata, while the veggies, dips, and herbs add brightness and balance. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a light meal, or the centerpiece of a shared table, it delivers that effortless Mediterranean charm—vibrant, wholesome, and meant to be enjoyed together.