Pine Forest Winter Mezze (Printable)

Winter-inspired mezze with roasted vegetables, creamy herbed yogurt, marinated mushrooms, and pine nut tapenade.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Vegetables

01 - 2 small beets, peeled and cut into wedges
02 - 1 small fennel bulb, sliced
03 - 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - Salt and pepper, to taste
06 - 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Herbed Labneh

07 - 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Marinated Mushrooms

12 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, quartered
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade

18 - 1/3 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
19 - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
20 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
22 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
23 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Accompaniments

24 - 1 cup baby carrots, raw
25 - 1/2 cup pickled red onions
26 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
27 - 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
28 - 1/2 cup assorted crackers or flatbreads
29 - Sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine (for garnish, not for eating)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once until tender and golden. Allow to cool.
02 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Stir well and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
03 - In a bowl, mix cremini mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
04 - Combine chopped green olives, toasted pine nuts, rinsed capers, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, raw baby carrots, pickled red onions, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crackers on a large wooden board. Garnish with fresh rosemary and pine sprigs (pine not to be consumed).
06 - Present immediately and encourage guests to combine flavors as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Combines earthy roasted vegetables and fresh, herby components for balanced flavors.
  • Perfect for vegetarian entertaining with diverse textures and tastes.
  • A visually stunning sharing platter that captures the spirit of winter forests.
02 -
  • Toast pine nuts gently to enhance their flavor without burning.
  • Marinate mushrooms for a minimum of 20 minutes to develop complexity.
  • Use fresh herbs generously in the labneh for vibrant aroma and taste.
  • Ensure the vegetables are cool before assembling to maintain freshness.
  • Always inform guests about the pine sprig garnish to avoid accidental consumption.
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