Fresh Markets

Entertaining Made Simple

Share Mediterranean flavors with friends and family.

Fill your home with friends, family and delicious food.

Antipasti, mezze, amuse-bouche, tapas, finger foods, appetizers—whatever you call them, small bites are key when it comes to memorable entertaining. They’re a great way to bring people together, share recipes and ideas and discover new flavors.

We’re featuring some of our favorite quick, crowd-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites. From dips and ready-made party platters to recipes for spreads and finger foods, there’s something for every kind of gathering and guest list. We even have coffee and dessert recommendations to finish off the meal and keep the conversation going.

Delicious Dips

Many Mediterranean flavors and ingredients lend themselves well to dips, spreads, sauces and small plates.

Pining for pesto? Antioxidant-rich pumpkin seeds add a nutty kick to our classic blend of imported Pecorino Romano cheese, bright basil, extra virgin olive oil and zesty garlic.

And then, of course, there’s hummus. There are so many ways to prepare and serve this popular Mediterranean dip that it’s now common to find unique flavors and varieties like white bean and edamame hummus. We love to scoop it right out of the container with crackers, pita or veggies, or enhance it with a simple garnish for entertaining.

Dress Up Your Hummus

Classic hummus is a simple, versatile dip made from cooked garbanzo beans (a.k.a. chick peas) and tahini. Try it as a spread for sandwiches, a smooth accompaniment to grilled meat or a savory appetizer dip. Here are some of our favorite ways to spruce up plain classic hummus with fresh herbs and savory flavors:

  • Drizzle with fruity olive oil and add a dash of smoked paprika and chopped fresh parsley
  • Top with a mixture of chopped sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and fresh basil
  • Top with a mixture of crumbled feta, chopped fresh thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil
  • Garnish with chopped cucumbers, roasted red peppers and Kalamata olives

Mediterranean Bites

These savory, spicy appetizers are easy to make and easier to love. Tempt your guests with tangy, flavorful Sundried Tomato and Goat Cheese Spread or Spicy Shrimp Tapas made with our succulent Wild American Shrimp, lemon and herbs. For a unique combination of flavors, try our Fig, Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Flatbread.

Sundried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread
Sundried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread
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spicy shrimp tapas
Spicy Shrimp Tapas
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Fig, Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Flatbread
Fig, Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Flatbread
View recipe

Post-Dinner Pick-me-Ups

There are many ways to enjoy coffee aside from your go-to morning cup of Joe. Espressos and cappuccinos are both popular in Mediterranean cultures and can be enjoyed any time you’re craving a coffee pick-me-up. They’re also a great way to cap off a gathering.

Espresso is known throughout the world as the quintessential Italian coffee. Meaning “made to order” or “made on the spot,” espresso is brewed quickly and is known for its intense aroma and concentrated flavor. An authentic Italian espresso should be served in a proper cup—2.5 oz max and shaped like a truncated cone to keep the crema, or coffee foam, intact.

Cappuccinos are breakfast beverages in Italy, particularly when enjoyed in a café. They’re traditionally made with espresso and steamed milk foam.

Here are some of our favorite coffees and espressos:

The Fresh Market Trattoria Espresso This dark roast has deep notes of roasted nuts and sweet caramel. Its flavors combine to create a rich, toasty, medium-bodied sip that’s classic and well-balanced. Enjoy it in your morning cappuccino or offer it to guests with dessert.

Illy Illy offers a blend of fine, sustainably-grown Arabica coffees with smooth, rich, full-bodied flavors. The result is an authentic Italian coffee that’s always consistent, smooth, well-balanced and never bitter, ideal for all coffee preparations.

Lavazza Ground Espresso Each year Lavazza selects the best coffees from plantations around the world in order to create specialized blends that are distinctly flavorful, balanced and aromatic.

For Viennese-inspired coffee, pour 1 tbsp. chocolate syrup in a small espresso glass, add 1 cup of prepared Lavazza espresso and top with 1-2 tbsp whipped cream. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate and enjoy!

Mediterranean-Inspired Desserts

From bite-sized confections to cakes and cannoli, these desserts are a delectable way to end a Mediterranean feast.

If you’re sipping something, try The Fresh Market Biscotti. These twice-baked Italian cookies are made by hand in small batches and perfect for dipping into a hot cup of coffee.

We also have rich, delicate Tiramisu Bar Cake made with mascarpone cheese and delicious sponge cake, as well as authentic Cannoli available in large and small sizes, dipped in chocolate or plain.

For something a little French, try our small-batch Macarons—almond flour meringues filled with thick buttercream icing. These decadent treats come in a variety of flavors.

Whether the temperatures are starting to warm up or you’re simply in the mood for a chilled treat, The Fresh Market Gelato is sure to satisfy.

Each recipe is slow-churned in small batches and quick-frozen to retain its unmistakably creamy texture—similar to what you’d find in a traditional Italian gelateria. One taste and you may never go back to “regular” ice cream again!

To serve, allow the gelato to thaw a bit so it’s soft, then use a large spoon to shave off furls and arrange them in a bowl.