10 Best Traditional Moroccan Appetizers

Mix things up with these authentic Moroccan appetizers. No more boring, run-of-the-mill appetizers for you! 

From maakouda to zaalouk, these intriguing bites take you on a culinary journey to Morocco. 

Easy and Delicious Moroccan Appetizers

Exploring the variety of Moroccan appetizers is an excellent way to sample this unique cuisine. Each dish is rich in culture, flavor-packed, and just as yummy as the last.

Each one is rich in culture, packed with flavor, and just as yummy as the last.

The spice blends and plant-based ingredients create tantalizing flavor combinations.

They’re more than just tasty nibbles, though. They create a whole experience for you and your guests. 

From small gatherings to big parties, these Moroccan appetizers are fantastic for any occasion.

1. Moroccan Potato Cakes (Maakouda)

Want something you know your guests will love? Then serve Maakouda.

It’s basically a big cake made of mashed potatoes. 

You mash the spuds with herbs, garlic, and an egg (for binding). Dust each cake with flour, then plop them in the fryer. 

The outside gets nice and crisp while the inside is so tender. For a dip, try a spicy harissa yogurt sauce. 

2. Moroccan Almond & Pistachio Briouat

If you like baklava, try this briouat. 

Briout is an ambrosial experience. It’s a stuffed phyllo pastry that can be savory or sweet. 

This one is all about the latter. 

The pastry gets brushed with a good layer of butter. Then it’s stuffed with a sweet orange blossom water infused nut filling.

After baking, each triangle soaks in honey. That’s right, I said soaks! 

Add this Moroccan dessert to the menu and your guests will be more than impressed.

3. Moroccan Fava Bean Soup (Bissara)

On their own, fava beans don’t tend to elicit much excitement. But when paired with the right ingredients, they’re sensational!

Just take it from this Moroccan dish.

Bissara is a creamy vegan fava bean soup. The cumin, paprika, and ginger (along with SIX garlic cloves) pack it with flavor.

Grab a chunk of crusty bread to sop up every last drop. This super thick plant-based soup is delish! 

4. Moroccan Chicken Pastilla 

Pastilla is just about as toothsome as Moroccan food gets. 

This North African stuffed pie is a favorite in Morocco. 

It features a chicken filling seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. Roasted almonds add more texture, and cilantro adds a hint of freshness.

Unfortunately, the feuilles de briques dough might be hard to find. You can look for it at an international food store. 

If you can’t manage to find it, use phyllo dough as a substitute.

5. Moroccan Cooked Eggplant Salad (Zaalouk)

Zaalouk will make you rethink your concept of a salad. 

It’s not a leafy green-based dish. Rather, it’s more like a dip. And a spectacular one at that!

It’s a robust blend of eggplant, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices. 

Unlike baba ganoush, you don’t have to grill or roast eggplant. Instead, you make the entire appetizer in one pot. 

You can eat this plant-based dish either hot or cold. I like to serve it with a side of warm pita bread. 

6. Moroccan Kefta Kabobs

Kefta kabobs must not be missed!

From the succulent beef to the seasoning, these kabobs are out of this world. 

Three types of fresh herbs, harissa, cumin, and turmeric are just some flavorings. And the grill adds a little bit of char to the savory beef.

It’s something you’d expect to get from a street food vendor in Morocco. And yet, you get to eat it with your pals at home!

7. Moroccan Pita (Batbout)

Batbout is a type of Moroccan pita bread. But it goes by several other names: mkhamer, toghrift, and matlou’.

Unlike other Middle Eastern pita breads, batbout cooks on the stove instead of the oven.

As it cooks, it puffs up, forming a big pillowy pocket. It’s great for sandwiches and perfect for dips. 

For an authentic experience, pair it with zaalouk. Your guests will love it!

8. Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup (Harira)

First course or the main course, this Moroccan soup is mouth-watering. 

Harira usually includes meat. But this one is vegetarian-friendly.

Lentils and chickpeas make it very hearty. While all the garlic, onions, and heaps of spices make the tomato base robust.

Serve it with lemon, a dollop of yogurt, and toasted almonds.

9. Classic Moroccan Tomato Salad

From Moroccan feasts to summer bites, this classic Moroccan salad is multipurpose. 

It’s bursting with juicy tomatoes tossed with cilantro, parsley, and red onion. For flavoring, cumin, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil lets the flavors shine.

It’s fresh, invigorating, and simple. 

Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make and requires less than 10 ingredients. So this tomato salad is great to memorize. 

10. Moroccan Cigar

These Moroccan cigars will steal the show!

It’s a traditional Moroccan appetizer served at celebrations. When it’s all rolled up, it looks like a cigar. Thus, the name. 

These crunchy and savory cigars have a secret, though. While the filling is usually beef or lamb, this recipe uses Impossible Burgers. 

Since it’s plant-based meat, more guests can enjoy them. And they’re just as delicious!