The Art of Building a Snack Board

In today’s busy lifestyle, gathering with friends and family is a precious moment. A drinks platter offers you the opportunity to make these moments even more special. Not only can you enjoy delicious snacks, but you can also let your creativity run wild. This blog article invites you to discover the art of building a perfect drinks platter. We share valuable tips and inspiring ideas that will take your presentation to the next level, so that you can impress your guests and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Get inspired and make your next drinks party an unforgettable experience!

Definition of a Borrelplank

A snack platter is a carefully composed selection of snacks and drinks, presented on a wooden or ceramic board. These boards are usually intended for an informal setting, where friends or family come together to enjoy small dishes and a drink. The content of a snack platter can vary, but often includes a combination of savoury, sweet and sometimes even salty delicacies.

Origin and Popularity

The borrelplank originates from Dutch food culture, where the idea of socializing and sharing food is central. The phenomenon has become increasingly popular in recent years, partly due to the growing interest in sharing experiences and dishes via social media. In many cafés and restaurants in the Netherlands, borrelplanks are offered as an ideal option for groups, making it a social and culinary activity that brings people together.

Evolution of the Borrelplank

With the rise of the “foodsharing” trend, the borrelplank has evolved further. The concept is no longer limited to traditional Dutch snacks; nowadays you can find borrelplanks with influences from all kinds of cuisines, such as Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American cuisine. This has led to a greater diversity of ingredients and a broader appeal.

Important Elements of a Snack Board

A well-composed snack platter contains several elements that together ensure an attractive presentation and a delicious taste experience. Here are some important components:

1. Cheese

Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. Some popular Dutch cheeses are:

• Gouda: A mild, creamy cheese that goes well with various types of bread and chutney.
• Edam: A slightly salty cheese that is often cut into cubes.
• Leerdammer: A slightly sweeter cheese that can be an excellent complement to fruit.

2. Meat products

Cold cuts add a savoury dimension to the snack platter. Some recommendations are:

• Salami: This dried sausage is perfect for a smoky flavor.
• Serrano ham: A Spanish ham that can be sliced thinly and has a salty, complex flavor.
• Chorizo: This Spanish sausage adds a spicy kick to the plank.

3. Veggies and Dip

Freshly cut vegetables are a refreshing addition to the snack platter. Consider:

• Cucumber: For a crispy texture.
• Bell pepper: Both sweet and spicy, depending on the type.
• Hummus or tzatziki: For a tasty dip.

4. Nuts and Olives

Nuts and olives are a great way to vary the texture and flavor of the snack platter:

• Mixed nuts: A mix of salted and unsalted nuts adds a crunch.
• Kalamata olives: These black olives are rich in flavor and are an excellent complement to cheese and cured meats.

5. Bread and Crackers

Bread and crackers form the basis of a snack board and provide the perfect combination with the other ingredients. Some options are:

• Baguette: Freshly baked and sliced, perfect for dipping.
• Rye bread: For a strong, earthy taste.
• Crackers: With different flavors, such as sesame or whole wheat.

6. Sweets

Don't forget to add a few sweet elements for a balanced snack platter:

• Chocolate: Dark chocolate or chocolate with nuts.
• Dried fruit: Like apricots or figs, for a sweet touch.
• Honey or jam: To combine with cheese.

Sample Snack Board

Below you will find an example of a drinks platter with a mix of the above elements:

By carefully combining these elements, you create an inviting and delicious snack platter that is perfect for any occasion.

The Basics: What to Use?

When putting together a snack platter, it is essential to choose a variety of ingredients that are not only tasty, but also go well together. In this section, we explore the different categories of ingredients that you can use to create an attractive and tasty snack platter.

Cheeses

Cheeses are an essential part of any snack platter. They offer a range of flavors and textures, from creamy to hard and from mild to strong. Here are some cheese suggestions:

• Brie: A creamy cheese with a soft crust. Perfect to combine with nuts and fruits such as figs or grapes.
• Cheese from Laib* (from the cheese farm De Zuivelhoeve): This local cheese has a rich, full flavour and goes well with various types of sausage.
• Gorgonzola: A blue cheese that has a strong flavor. This can be combined excellently with honey and walnuts.

Meats

Cold cuts add a hearty component to your snack platter. Choose different types to add variety.

• Salami: Choose a good quality salami, such as the Felino SalamiThis Italian salami is delicious and has a rich flavor.
• Prosciutto: This thin, salted ham is perfect to combine with fruits, such as melon or peach.
• Chorizo: The Iberian Chorizo offers a spicy flavor that pairs well with soft cheeses.

Vegetables

Vegetables are not only healthy, but also add color and texture to your snack board. Think of:

• Cherry tomatoes: These sweet tomatoes are a fresh addition and combine well with mozzarella.
• Cucumber: Slice the cucumber for a crunchy bite. Combine with hummus for an extra dimension of flavor.
• Bell pepper: Stuffed peppers with cream cheese are a delicious and colorful option.

Dips

Dips are perfect for complementing your drinks platter. They provide extra flavours and are ideal to serve with vegetables or bread.

• Hummus: A classic that goes well with both vegetables and bread. Try Hummus from Alpro for a plant-based option.
• Guacamole: This avocado dip is creamy and full of flavor. Perfect for tortilla chips or as a spread on bread.
• Tzatziki: A fresh Greek dip that goes well with pitas and vegetables. Tzatziki from the Green Way is highly recommended.

Bread

Bread forms the basis of your drinks platter and can be presented in different ways.

• Baguette: Freshly baked baguette is a must. Slice it for easy serving.
• Crackers: Try Finn Crisp for a crunchy texture that pairs well with cheese and dips.
• Pita bread: This soft bread can be sliced and served with dips such as hummus or tzatziki.

Combinations and Tips

When putting together your snack platter, it is important to think about the flavors that go well together. Here are some handy combinations:

By using these different ingredients and combinations, you can create a snack platter that is both visually appealing and tasteful. It is a perfect way to welcome guests and create a cozy atmosphere.

Creative Presentation Tips for the Snack Board

A well-presented snack platter can significantly improve the atmosphere of a gathering. It is not just a question of food, but also of aesthetics. Below are some handy tips to make your snack platter attractive.

Color and Texture

Color and texture are crucial elements in the presentation of your snack board. By combining a variety of colors and textures, you create a visually appealing arrangement that will catch the attention of your guests.

• Color Scheme: Choose a theme for your colors. For example, a summery shelf might include colors like yellow, green, and orange. Use products like Häagen-Dazs Mango Sorbet for a pop of yellow, add green grapes and orange carrot sticks.
• Texture: Vary the textures by combining hard and soft elements. Think of crunchy crackers like Ritz Original next to creamy cheese such as Montagnolo or creamy hummus from Hummus & Co.The variety makes for an interesting dining experience.

Arrangement and Layout

The way you arrange your ingredients plays a big role in the presentation. Here are some tips to optimize this:

• Elevation: Use different heights to create depth. For example, place a small bowl of olives on a stand to make the shelf more dynamic.
• Group: Group similar items together. For example, place different types of cheese, such as Old Amsterdam and Brie de Meaux, next to each other, and set them against a fresh salad of cherry tomatoes and basil.
• Use of serving dishes: Choosing the right serving platters is essential. A nice wooden cutting board like the Bamboo Cutting Board by Royal Craft Wood can give a rustic look, while a marble serving dish like the Mikasa 16-Inch Marble Cheese Board adds a luxurious feel.

Accessories for Extra Dimension

Accessories can take your snack board presentation to the next level. Here are some suggestions:

• Napkins and Plates: Use nice napkins, such as those from Villeroy & Boch, and combine them with stylish plates. This not only adds a visual element, but also functionality.
• Herbs and Oils: Add small bottles of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. A nice bottle of Gustavsen Organic Olive Oil can not only function as a decoration, but also as a flavouring for your dishes.
• Decorative Elements: Consider adding small decorative elements, such as sprigs of rosemary or mint. This will not only add color, but also add a lovely scent to the shelf.

Example of an Attractive Snack Board

Here's an example of how to put together a drinks platter using the tips mentioned above:

By applying these tips, you will not only turn your drinks platter into a culinary experience, but also a visual feast that will certainly impress your guests.

Conclusion: The perfect interplay of flavors and presentation

In conclusion, creating a snack platter is an art that requires creativity and personality. By experimenting with different flavors, textures and presentation techniques, you can create a unique and attractive snack platter that not only stimulates the senses, but also becomes a talking point at any occasion. Let your imagination run wild and discover the endless possibilities that creating a snack platter offers. Enjoy the process and surprise your guests with your culinary creations.