Have you ever wondered what combinations of flavors will surprise your friends and family during drinks evenings? Did you know that a piece of cheese can contain up to 120 different flavors? In this blog post “What are the best combinations for original snack platters? A guide” we will take you on a culinary journey and inspire you to create the perfect snack platter. Ready to impress with your creations? Let’s get started!
The basics of a drinks board
A snack platter is a must-have for cozy evenings with friends or family. Combining delicious cheeses, meats, spreads and crackers makes for a tasteful experience. Below we discuss in detail the essential elements that should not be missing on an original snack platter.
Cheeses
Cheeses are the heart of every good snack platter. Choose a variety of soft, hard, mild and spicy cheeses to please everyone's taste buds. For a classic snack platter we recommend the following cheeses:
- Gouda cheese – A Dutch favorite with a mild taste.
- Brie – Creamy and soft, perfect to combine with some honey.
- Blue cheese – For lovers of an intense taste experience. Think of Roquefort or Danish Blue.
Meats
In addition to cheeses, good meats should not be missing from your snack board. Choose high-quality and tasty options, such as:
- Prosciutto – Thinly sliced and full of flavor.
- Salami – An Italian classic that goes perfectly with the cheeses on the board.
- Chorizo – Spicy and full of character, a delicious addition.
Spreads
For some extra flavor variation, you can add spreads to your snack platter. Think of:
- Hummus – A healthy and tasty dip made from chickpeas.
- Tapenade – A Mediterranean classic based on olives and capers.
- Pesto – A tasty basil sauce that goes perfectly with crackers or baguette.
Crackers and bread
Crackers and fresh bread are essential for serving cheeses, meats and spreads. Choose a mix of crispy crackers and artisan bread, such as:
- Tuc Original – Crunchy snacks that go well with soft cheeses.
- Baguette – Cut this into slices and serve with a nice tapenade.
- Melba Toast – Thin and crispy, perfect for dipping.
With these essential elements you can easily put together a delicious snack platter to spoil your guests. Enjoy an evening full of taste and coziness!
Combinations of flavors
A successful snack platter combines different flavors to create a harmonious and delicious experience. By making clever combinations, you can take the pleasure for your taste buds to the next level. Here are some tips to make your snack platter irresistible:
Sweet and Savory
- Combine a creamy brie from PureDairy with a delicious fig jam from The Tastemaker for a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
- Also try a piece of dark chocolate from Tony's Chocolonely with a slice of dried ham from Brandt & Levie for a surprising taste sensation.
Spicy and Fresh
- Add some spicy chorizo from Ibericus Add to your platter and balance the flavor with cucumber slices and a fresh Greek yogurt and mint dip.
- A sharp goat cheese from Bettine tastes delicious in combination with pickled jalapeños.
Salty and Crunchy
- Choose a mix of different olives from Mediterranean and salted nuts of The Nut Shop to create a crispy and savory addition to your drinks platter.
- Don't forget to grab some freshly baked bread and crackers from Sourdough Bread Bakery to add to provide an extra texture and flavor dimension.
With these clever combinations of flavours your snack board is guaranteed to steal the show! Experiment with different products and discover your favourite flavour combinations for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Vegetarian options and alternatives
When putting together a snack platter, it is important to consider vegetarian guests and people with specific dietary requirements. Fortunately, there are many delicious vegetarian options and alternatives that make the platter just as tasty and varied.
Various types of cheese
Cheese is often a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Make sure to have a selection of different cheeses, such as:
- Old Amsterdam
- Goat cheese with honey
- Gorgonzola
- Manchego
Plant-based spreads and dips
For a tasty addition to the snack platter, there are several spreadable options:
- Hummus (brand: Sabra)
- Guacamole (brand: Santa Maria)
- Baba ganoush
- Tzatziki
Nuts and dried fruit
Nuts and dried fruit are ideal snacks that go well with cheese and dips. Choose:
- Mixed unsalted nuts
- Dried apricots
- Raisins
- Cashew nuts
Vegetarian tapenades and olives
Add some Mediterranean flavors to the drinks platter with:
- Black olives
- Green olives with peppers
- Sun-dried tomato tapenade
- Artichoke hearts tapenade
Crackers and breads
To allow the different flavours to come into their own, combine the different cheeses and dips with:
- Whole wheat crackers
- Focaccia bread
- Grissini
- Spelt bread
By adding a good variety of vegetarian options and alternatives to your snack platter, you ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious and varied taste experience. Have fun putting together your vegetarian snack platter!
Presentation and styling
A snack platter is not only a tasty treat, but also a visual feast for the eyes. Presenting and styling the snack platter in a creative way can really make your guests’ mouths water before they’ve even taken a bite. Here are some handy tips to present your snack platter in a professional and tasteful way.
Choose the right board
A good snack board starts with the right base. Choose a board that matches the style of the evening and is large enough to present all the delicacies beautifully. Wooden boards are popular because of their warm appearance and natural charm. Some brands that are known for their quality boards are:
- Boska: Known for their high-quality cheese boards and accessories.
- Jamie Oliver: Offers a range of elegant serving boards for various occasions.
Create a colorful palette
A colorful snack board is not only attractive to look at, but also adds an extra dimension to the taste experience. Combine different colors by choosing a mix of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and dips. Some suggestions for colorful ingredients are:
- Red currants and grapes
- Yellow and green peppers
- Various types of cheese such as blue vein, goat cheese and mature cheese
- Charcuterie such as chorizo, salami and prosciutto
Play with height and texture
A snack platter becomes even more appealing when you play with height and texture. Use bowls, small bowls and small serving stands to place different items at different levels. Vary the textures as well, for example by serving crunchy crackers next to creamy cheeses.
Add decorative elements
In addition to delicious food, adding decorative elements can take the presentation of your snack board to the next level. Think fresh herbs, edible flowers, nuts in the shell and dried fruit. These visual details not only make the board more attractive, but also add a touch of sophistication.
A tasty and inspiring ending
In the conclusion of the blog post “What are the best combinations for original snack boards? A guide” we discussed various combinations, from simple to more elaborate options. Make your snack board unique and personal by playing with flavors and presentation. Enjoy the fun and coziness of putting together and sharing delicious snack boards!
Frequently asked questions about snack boards
For a successful snack platter, it is important to have a good mix of spreads and dips. Some good combinations are hummus with roasted vegetables, tzatziki with olives, pesto with cherry tomatoes and goat cheese with fig jam. You can also think of guacamole with tortilla chips, herb butter with baguette and tuna salad with cucumber. By adding a variety of flavors and textures, you ensure an inviting and tasteful snack platter. Enjoy!
There are different types of cheese that go perfectly with original snack boards. A good choice is to vary in flavors and textures. Soft cheeses such as brie or camembert complement hard cheeses such as old cheese well. In addition, goat cheese, blue cheese or a mild Gouda cheese can also be a nice addition. Combine these with some nuts, grapes, figs or honey for a delicious and varied snack board. Have fun putting it together and enjoy!
To compose an original snack platter, you can use different types of cold cuts. Think of dried sausage, prosciutto, salami, chorizo, coppa di parma, serrano ham or pate. These cold cuts are perfect for creating a varied and tasty snack platter. Add some olives, cheese, nuts and fresh fruit and you have a delicious selection to enjoy during a drink. Enjoy!
For an original snack platter, it is best to offer a good mix of drinks. A light and fresh white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc goes well with goat cheese and other fresh snacks. For cold cuts and savoury snacks, a red wine such as a Merlot or Shiraz is a good choice. In addition, a cool pilsner or a light and fresh special beer is always a safe choice. Don't forget to add an alcohol-free option such as sparkling water with mint and lemon for those who don't drink alcohol. This way, you have something for everyone and the party with your original snack platter will be a guaranteed success!
On original snack boards, various types of fruit and nuts are often used. Popular types of fruit are grapes, apple pieces, berries and dried fruit such as apricots or figs. As for nuts, almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts and pistachios are often used. By alternating colours, textures and flavours, you create a beautiful and varied snack board. Have fun putting together your own original snack board!
What a fun question! Some special additions that can make a snack platter truly unique are truffle cheese, marinated olives with lemon and garlic, crispy capers, homemade hummus with grilled vegetables, or even a few pieces of artisanal chocolate. By adding these special additions, you can take your snack platter to the next level and make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests! Have fun creating your perfect snack platter!
To create an original snack platter for vegetarian guests, consider a variety of tasty and colorful options. Start with a mix of hard and soft cheeses, such as goat cheese, brie, and aged cheese. Add some spreads, such as hummus, tapenade, or avocado dip. Complete the platter with a selection of nuts, olives, dried fruit, and crackers or baguettes. For extra flavor and variety, you can also add grilled vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Don’t forget to add some fresh herbs and some sweet treats, such as chocolate or nougat, to complete the platter. With these diverse and tasty options, your vegetarian guests will definitely enjoy the snack platter!
