If you are looking for the absolute best Lebanese dips and Middle Eastern dip recipes for your next party or gathering, I have you covered! This curated list rounds up 13 of my favorite authentic spreads that are perfect for any holiday buffet, appetizer table, or healthy snack spread. From classic creamy hummus and smoky baba ghanoush (Moutabal) to rich Syrian Muhammara and homemade Lebanese garlic toum, these versatile Mediterranean recipes are packed with nutrients. Serve them up with fresh pita bread, crackers, or vegetables, and watch them steal the show!

Authentic Lebanese Hummus

A humble spread at its heart, hummus is made with just a handful of simple ingredients: cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. The flavor and proportions of these ingredients vary considerably from one cook to another, but today I’m focusing on the version most familiar in Lebanon, which is made with a generous amount of tahini. Hummus is a serious treat, and any effort you put into making it properly will be richly rewarded!

Moutabal (Lebanese Baba Ghanouj)

A classic Middle Eastern roasted eggplant dip, Moutabal is made with tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic, then drizzled with olive oil and served with pita bread. It is a staple on any Lebanese meze table, typically served alongside hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, sfeeha, and an assortment of other Middle Eastern appetizers. It also makes a wonderful party dip and a perfect accompaniment to grilled or fried fish.

Known in the West as “Baba Ghanouj,” this dip has a different name in Lebanon. If you order it at a restaurant in Lebanon or elsewhere in the Middle East, ask for Moutabal if you want the tahini version. Otherwise, you may be served a roasted eggplant dip without tahini! Just a friendly warning so you know exactly what you’re ordering!

Avocado Moutabal with Tahini and Roasted Garlic

Avocados, tahini, lemon juice, and roasted garlic come together in a wonderfully harmonious blend. In this recipe, roasted garlic takes the place of raw garlic, giving the dip a mellow, subtly sweet flavor that makes it as delicious as it is beautiful. With our easy recipe, you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful dip in no time. The only part that takes a little patience is roasting the garlic head! Serve it with pita bread, chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Muhammara (Syrian Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Everyone needs a good basic muhammara recipe in their back pocket, especially if you’re a fan of flavorful spreads to enjoy with bread or fresh vegetables. One taste, and you’ll fall in love with this delicious dip! Muhammara is a beloved Syrian classic that has become increasingly popular, not only throughout the Middle East but also around the world. It is made with a delicious blend of roasted red bell peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, onion, and ground coriander. Like hummus and baba ghanoush, muhammara reflects the spirit of sharing and hospitality that is at the heart of Middle Eastern food culture.

Labneh with Garlicky Cherry Tomatoes and Dukkah

With Labneh with Garlicky Cherry Tomatoes and Dukkah, you take a simple, classic Lebanese spread like labneh and transform it into a festive-looking dish with beautiful layers of textures and flavors. Serve it as an appetizer or starter for any special occasion, and I guarantee it will be the dish that steals the show!

Lebanese-Style Mashed Potatoes with Walnuts and Herbs

A dense, creamy mash packed with delightful Mediterranean flavors, made with potatoes, a fragrant blend of fresh basil and mint leaves, onions, walnuts, and olive oil. Smooth, fluffy, and always a crowd-pleaser, this Lebanese potato dish is delicious served with Lebanese bread or pita. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meat or chicken. Brimming with earthy flavors, it’s easy to prepare and makes an impressively beautiful addition to any table!

Beetroot and Eggplant Moutabal

This beetroot and eggplant moutabal is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to whip up. Its deep, delicious flavor comes from a combination of roasted eggplant, sweet roasted beetroot, and garlic, while its creamy base features plain yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini. This gorgeous dip is a delicious way to elevate anything you serve with it, whether it’s fresh-cut vegetables, crackers, or pita bread. You can even use it as a sandwich spread! Supremely nourishing and satisfying, think of it as baba ghanoush with a colorful beetroot twist. I think you’re going to fall in love with this Mediterranean beetroot and eggplant dip!

Raheb Salad (Lebanese Roasted Eggplant Salad)

Baba Ghanouj, which we call Moutabal in Lebanon, may well be the most famous eggplant dip in the West. But have you ever tried Raheb Salad? It is an equally delicious and beloved Lebanese eggplant dish that deserves just as much attention! Unlike Moutabal, Raheb Salad is tahini-free and features chunky pieces of roasted eggplant flesh rather than a smooth, mashed texture. It is tossed with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh vegetables, making it a wonderfully refreshing and flavorful addition to any Middle Eastern meze spread.

Homemade Lebanese Labneh (Strained Yogurt)

A breakfast staple in every Lebanese home and one of my all-time favorite foods! Making homemade labneh is much easier than you might imagine. Simply season plain yogurt with a little salt and strain it for about 12 hours for a soft, creamy consistency, or up to 24 hours if you prefer your labneh thicker. This versatile Lebanese spread can be enjoyed as a dip, used as a sandwich spread, or simply served with Arabic bread or crackers. So simple, yet so delicious!

Taratour (Lebanese Lemon Tahini Sauce)

A versatile staple of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, tahini sauce is packed with rich sesame flavor and has a lovely hint of lemon. It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in just minutes! Simply whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Drizzle it over shawarma, falafel, fish, fried or broiled cauliflower, eggplant, and pumpkin, or use it in sandwiches and wraps. The possibilities are endless! Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this delicious Lebanese condiment has the power to take just about any dish to another level.

Foul Medames (Lebanese Fava Bean Dip)

Foul Medames is beloved for so many reasons: it’s delicious, economical, filling, and nutritious, and it’s also known for its potential benefits to gut health! The star ingredient in Foul Medames is dried fava beans, which are soaked overnight in water and then cooked low and slow for several hours until meltingly tender.

Lebanese Mashed Potatoes with Hard-Boiled Eggs

It is so simple to make that I can barely call it a recipe! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, quick, and budget-friendly meal. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to keep this dish on your Sunday menu! You can also give your usual mashed potatoes a delicious twist and serve it as a side dish. It’s sure to earn a place on your holiday buffet!

Lebanese Garlic Toum (Garlic Sauce)

I simply can’t live without Lebanese garlic toum! Having grown up with it, I can tell you that it was a constant presence in our fridge. This humble yet essential sauce is practically more indispensable than mayonnaise in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s also a staple in restaurant and snack-bar kitchens, where chefs keep it on hand to spread on sandwiches, add to wraps, and serve alongside all kinds of snacks. Toum is a classic for a reason!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most popular Lebanese dips?

Some of the most popular Lebanese dips include hummus, Moutabal, labneh, and Lebanese garlic toum. Other favorites include Raheb Salad and Taratour. They are traditionally served as part of a Lebanese meze spread with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

2. What do you serve with Lebanese dips?

Lebanese dips are delicious served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, crackers, olives, and pickles. They also make wonderful accompaniments to grilled meats, fish, and sandwiches.

3. What is the difference between Moutabal and Baba Ghanouj?

In Lebanon, Moutabal is a roasted eggplant dip made with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Baba Ghanouj generally refers to a tahini-free roasted eggplant preparation, often combined with fresh vegetables and herbs. Naming conventions can vary across the Middle East.

4. Can Lebanese dips be made ahead of time?

Yes! Many Lebanese dips, including hummus, Moutabal, Muhammara, and labneh, can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Add fresh garnishes and olive oil just before serving for the best presentation.

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