In today’s busy life, getting together with friends and family is a valuable moment to enjoy and relax. A snack platter with artisanal bread can make these moments even more special. But what really makes this snack platter the best experience? In this blog post, we will take you on a culinary journey through the different types of artisanal bread and the most delicious combinations with matching delicacies. Whether you are an experienced host or just starting to put together a snack platter, our tips will certainly inspire you. Let’s discover together how you can make your snack moments unforgettable!
Types of artisanal bread for your drinks platter
Artisan bread is an essential addition to any snack platter. Different types of bread not only offer variety, but also unique flavors and textures that can enhance the dining experience. In this section, we’ll discuss some popular types of artisan bread and how they can enhance your snack platter.
Sourdough
Sourdough is one of the most popular types of artisan bread. It is characterized by its characteristic sour taste and airy structure. This bread is made with natural yeasts and bacteria, which ensures a unique fermentation.
Features:
- Taste: Slightly sour with a nutty undertone.
- Texture: Light and chewy, with a crispy crust.
- Examples:
- Sourdough from Bakery Lammerts: Known for its rich taste and authentic preparation method.
- Sourdough from The Baker's Daughter: An organic variant with a fine texture.
Use on the drinks board:
- Serve with an assortment of cheeses, such as aged Belegen cheese or Brie, to complement the flavors.
- Ideal for making bruschetta with tomato and basil.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is an Italian bread known for its soft, airy interior and crispy crust. It has a light olive oil flavor and is perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish with drinks.
Features:
- Taste: Mild with a hint of olive oil.
- Texture: Light and chewy, with large air bubbles.
- Examples:
- Ciabatta from Bakery Grondig: Fresh and with a perfect crust.
- Ciabatta from Stadsbakkers: Made from organic flour and with an authentic taste.
Use on the drinks board:
- Cut into slices and serve with various dips such as hummus or tapenade.
- Perfect for mini sandwiches with prosciutto and arugula.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that is often seasoned with olive oil, sea salt and various herbs. It can also be topped with vegetables, cheese or even meat.
Features:
- Taste: Rich and savory, often with a hint of rosemary or garlic.
- Texture: Soft and airy, with a crispy bottom.
- Examples:
- Focaccia from Boulangerie de la Gare: Wonderfully fragrant and full of flavour.
- Focaccia from Italian Bakery: An authentic preparation with fresh herbs.
Use on the drinks board:
- Cut into small pieces and serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple, yet flavorful snack.
- Ideal to combine with charcuterie, such as salami or chorizo.
Other types of artisanal bread
In addition to the breads mentioned above, there are many other types of artisanal bread that you can consider for your drinks platter:
- Spelt bread: A healthier alternative with a nutty flavour; excellent with goat's cheese.
- Rye bread: Has a firm texture and a strong flavour; perfect with smoked salmon or pâté.
- Olive bread: Made with whole olives; adds a salty, savoury flavour, ideal for antipasti.
Benefits of artisanal bread on your drinks platter
- Diversity: The different flavors and textures provide a versatile dining experience.
- Health: Many artisanal breads are made with natural ingredients and contain no preservatives.
- Quality: Artisan bakers pay a lot of attention to the quality of their products, which results in a better end result.
Table of artisanal bread
| Bread type | Taste | Texture | Ideal combinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Slightly acidic | Airy, chewy | Old cheese, bruschetta |
| Ciabatta | Mild, olive oil | Airy, chewy | Hummus, mini sandwiches |
| Focaccia | Rich, hearty | Soft, airy | Olive oil, charcuterie |
| Spelt bread | Nutty | Solid | Goat Cheese |
| Rye bread | Strong | Solid | Smoked salmon, pate |
| Olive bread | Salty, savory | Airy | antipasti |
By adding these different types of artisan bread to your snack platter, you not only create a visually appealing presentation, but also a tasty and varied experience for your guests. Each type of bread has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for different combinations and occasions.
Cheeses and charcuterie
In this section, we explore the ideal cheeses and meats that go perfectly with artisan bread. We will discuss different types of cheeses and meats, as well as tips for the best combinations to create an unmistakable taste experience.
Types of Cheeses
Brie
Brie is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour. This cheese is perfect for artisanal baguettes or as part of a cheese board.
- Recommended brand: Fromagerie Berthaut – This French brie has a delicate mold rind and a rich flavor.
Old Cheese
Old cheese is often hard and has an intense, spicy flavour. This cheese goes very well with sweeter meats.
- Recommended brand: Beemster Old Cheese – This cheese has a nutty flavour and a crystalline texture that contrast perfectly with salty cold cuts.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Stilton, has a strong, sharp flavor that makes a unique addition to any plate.
- Recommended brand: Roquefort Society – This French blue cheese offers a strong, creamy flavor that is delicious when paired with nuts and honey.
Types of Meats
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that has a delicate, salty flavor. It is a refined addition to a cheese platter.
- Recommended brand: Prosciutto di Parma – This authentic prosciutto is lightly salted and has a distinctive flavour.
Salami
Salami is a popular sausage with a robust taste. It comes in different varieties, such as mild or spicy salami.
- Recommended brand: Citterio Salami – This salami has a rich, spicy flavor that goes well with both soft and hard cheeses.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a spicy Spanish sausage that adds an intense flavour to your cheese platter. It is perfect for those who like a bit of spice.
- Recommended brand: Palaces Chorizo – This authentic Spanish chorizo has a strong paprika flavor and a nice texture.
Combination Tips for the Best Taste Experience
- Combine Cheese and Cold Cuts:
- Brie with Prosciutto: The creaminess of the brie pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of prosciutto.
- Old Cheese with Salami: The spiciness of the old cheese goes well with the herbs of the salami.
- Blue Cheese with Chorizo: The strong flavour of blue cheese is nicely enhanced by the spicy chorizo.
- Bread choice:
- Artisanal Baguette: This is ideal for serving cheeses and meats as it has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
- Sourdough bread: The slightly sour taste of sourdough can add an interesting twist to the combination.
Examples of a Cheese and Meat Board
| Cheese | Meats | Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Prosciutto | Artisanal Baguette |
| Old Cheese | Salami | Sourdough bread |
| Blue Cheese | Chorizo | Ciabatta |
With these combinations and recommendations, you are well on your way to creating a refined cheese and charcuterie board that perfectly matches artisanal bread. Enjoy the rich flavors and harmonious combinations that these delicacies offer.
Dips and spreads
A snack platter isn’t complete without a selection of tasty dips and spreads. These additions not only add extra flavor, but also provide variety and color to your table. In this section, we’ll discuss some popular dips and spreads, how they relate to different types of bread, and tips for an attractive presentation.
Hummus: A Classic
Hummus is a versatile spread made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s a healthy choice and offers a creamy texture that pairs well with a variety of breads.
Recommended Bread Types:
- Pita bread: Perfect for dipping in hummus.
- Ciabatta: The airy structure makes for a delicious combination.
- Rye bread: A heartier option that pairs well with the nutty flavor of hummus.
Brands to Try:
- Meridian: This organic hummus is available in different flavors, such as classic and beetroot.
- Alpro: They offer a plant-based variant with a creamy consistency.
Tapenade: Mediterranean Flavor Explosion
Tapenade, a spread made from olives, capers and anchovies, brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to your snack platter. The rich and salty flavour of tapenade makes it an excellent choice for savoury breads.
Recommended Bread Types:
- Baguette: Slice and serve with tapenade for a classic aperitif.
- Focaccia: The herbs in the focaccia complement the flavors of the tapenade.
Brands to Try:
- Pip & Nut: Their olive tapenade is an organic option that is packed with flavor.
- Bertolli: Provides a traditional tapenade that is readily available.
Pesto: Fresh and Aromatic
Pesto, made from basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and olive oil, adds an aromatic and fresh taste to your snack platter. It goes well with both bread and vegetables.
Recommended Bread Types:
- Toasted bread: The crunch of toasted bread with pesto is a real delight.
- Brown bread: The nutty flavor of brown bread goes well with the fresh taste of pesto.
Brands to Try:
- Sacla: Known for their authentic Italian pesto in different variations.
- Liebig: Provides a delicious organic pesto that is perfect for a quick snack.
Olive Oil: The Simple Luxury
Olive oil is an essential part of any snack platter. It can be used as a dip for bread or as a base for other spreads. Choose extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
Recommended Bread Types:
- Freshly baked bread: The combination of fresh bread with good olive oil is a real treat.
- Garlic bread: The flavors of garlic and olive oil enhance each other perfectly.
Brands to Try:
- Colavita: This extra virgin olive oil is versatile and rich in flavor.
- Filippo Berio: A popular choice with excellent value for money.
Presentation Tips
An attractive presentation of your dips and spreads can enhance your guests' experience. Here are some practical tips:
- Variation in Tableware: Use different bowls for each dip. This makes it more visually appealing.
- Color and Texture: Mix up the colours and textures. For example, add some chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumber and bell pepper for extra colour.
- Labels: Consider making little labels for each dip so guests know what they're tasting.
By adding these dips and spreads to your snack platter, you create a tasteful and inviting experience for your guests. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different combinations!
Conclusion: The perfect balance for an unforgettable drinking experience
In conclusion, the ideal snack platter with artisan bread offers a harmonious mix of various elements such as different types of bread, cheeses, meats, dips and vegetables. By playing with seasonal ingredients and your personal preferences, you can create the perfect combination that not only tickles the taste buds, but also offers a visual delight. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the versatility that a well-composed snack platter has to offer.
