Simply Perfect DIY Hummus Platter

A hummus platter is such an easy thing to put together, it creates a mini mezze in a jiffy.

A good hummus platter is one that incorporates pickles, olives, vegetables, cheeses and bread.

The more the mezze types of food the better; being spoiled for choice is the goal!

Hummus is enjoyed in so many ways, and making a platter is a terrific way to share it with friends and family.

So many flavors, and so many textures coming together to make a little feast for everyone to enjoy.

Why Make a Hummus Platter?

Making a hummus platter allows you to create a beautiful presentation of food.

While at the same time you can feed a large number of people a tasty appetizer in a beautiful way. 

Combining several flavors in one finger food appetizer is easy, fun and lovely to look at.

This is one of my favorite ways of serving hummus to my friends at gatherings.

With a glass of wine in hand, your taste buds are delighted with so much choice.

Make-Your-Own or Store-Bought Hummus

I recommend making your own homemade hummus, it is not hard once you know how, and it will taste so much better.

It is true that store-bought hummus has come a very long way, and that there are some good varieties out there.

I say good, but they will never match the taste of a good homemade chickpea dip made like it is supposed to be made.

Making it yourself allows you to make it the way that suits your taste buds, like adding extra lemon juice, or fresh herbs.

How to Make a Hummus Platter

Having a nice presentation is just as important as having tasty treats bunched up together for everyone to eat.

Starting with the presentation, think about what you will be serving the platter on.

I normally will use a round tray that is typical for food presentation in the Middle East.

Place the hummus in a wide faced bowl in the middle of the tray, and then think about what you want to surround it with.

I will always include a variety of olives, pickles and raw vegetables to ensure a good balance of flavors.

Cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, tomato, bell peppers and onions are all good options.

Roasted red peppers can also be a nice touch for extra color and texture on the tray.

I think about color and texture as I lay out my tray.

Usually bunching olives close to each other to highlight the diversity.

Pickles of different shapes, sizes, and colors alongside peppers, some hot, some not.

Radishes are also a good addition and even strips of fennel or celery; you can even use broccoli and cauliflower.

A good cheese or two is another thing to think about including in your platter.

I like to use traditional white cheeses when I can, like halloumi, or Nabulsi cheese.

If you don’t have those white cheeses on hand try a tasty cheddar, monterey jack, or even havarti.

Another component to think about including is bread, or crackers of various kinds.

Having one kind of bread is fine assuming people will use vegetables for dipping, but it is nice to give people a choice.

Maybe pita, along with taboon, along with crispy crackers or breadsticks can also be a popular option. 

Use a variety of different crackers, like rice crackers, whole wheat triscuits, almond crackers, and saltines for example.

Other things that can be used to make a delightful platter is to add dried fruit, such as dates, or apricots and cranberries.

Nuts are another welcome option when it comes to putting together your tasty platter.

Try one or two of the following: almonds, walnuts, shelled pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts.

Put the platter together in a manner that you find pleasing to the eye, and don’t forget to sprinkle olive oil on the hummus.

You can go wide with your platter, spreading the different foods on the platter or you can also think about getting some height.

You want a feeling of abundance to ooze from your delightful creation.

Place foods in piles that look ample pushing up against each other to give the feeling of plenty.

There is nothing more pleasing when it comes to food than the feeling that there is a lot to chow down on.

A Note on Arab Hospitality

Arab hospitality is legendary for its generosity and bountiful feeling and look.

An Arab table always has more than enough food on it when it comes to entertaining.

It’s very important that all guests are well fed, and tended to, without anything being forgotten.

Hospitality in the Arab world is all about anticipating the needs of your guests, and your need to ensure they want for nothing.

Guests are highly prized in the Middle East, and this is reflected by the dinner table.