Homemade treats for your drinks board

When you invite friends or family for a cozy drink, you want everything to be taken care of down to the last detail. A well-stocked drink platter with delicious treats makes these moments even more special. In this blog post, we invite you to explore the world of homemade treats. We understand how important it is to spoil your guests with dishes that are prepared with love. That is why we share inspiring recipes and tips for snacks, dips and side dishes that are easy to make and a great addition to your drink platter. Let your creativity run wild and discover how you can enrich your drinks moments with tasty, homemade treats that are sure to be a hit.

Different Types of Snack Platter Treats

A snack platter is an ideal way to serve and share a variety of treats with friends and family. There are countless options to choose from, but we will focus on the main categories: cheese, charcuterie, dips and vegetable snacks. Below we will discuss some popular choices and how to combine them for an attractive presentation.

Cheese

Cheese is the foundation of many snack platters and offers a range of flavors and textures. Here are some popular cheese options:

• Brie: A soft and creamy cheese that goes well with nuts and fruit.
• Gouda: Available in various levels of maturity, from young to old, and goes well with crackers and chutneys.
• Blue cheese (for example Roquefort): This adds a spicy flavor and is delicious when combined with honey or fig jam.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated or flaked, perfect for adding a savory flavor.

Tips for pairing cheese:

• Make a cheese board: Choose three different types of cheese with different textures and flavors.
• Add fruit and nuts: Pears, figs and walnuts are excellent additions.
• Use different types of crackers to provide variety.

Charcuterie

Charcuterie consists of an assortment of meats and can be a real explosion of flavors. Here are some popular meats to put on your snack board:

• Prosciutto: A thin, salty ham that tastes delicious with melon or figs.
• Salami (for example Milano Salami): This adds a spicy flavor and can be served sliced with cheese.
• Chorizo: A Spanish sausage that adds a kick to your drinks platter, perfect in combination with Manchego cheese.
• Chicken fillet: For a lighter alternative, perfect to combine with mustard.

Combination tips for charcuterie:

• Use a wooden plank: This gives a rustic look.
• Add olives and pickles for a savory kick.
• Offer different dips, such as mustard or pesto, to enhance the flavors.

Dips

Dips are a great way to spice up your snack platter. Here are some popular dips:

• Hummus: A creamy and versatile dip that goes well with vegetables and pita.
• Guacamole: This avocado dip is a must-have and can also be used as a spread on toast.
• Tzatziki: A refreshing yoghurt dip that is perfect with cold cuts and vegetables.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: A savoury option that can be served warm with bread or chips.

Combine dips:

• Serve with various vegetables: Carrot sticks, bell peppers and cucumbers are excellent choices.
• Offer tortilla chips for a crunch.
• Use small pots or bowls to present the dips attractively.

Vegetable snacks

Vegetable snacks are not only healthy, but also add color and texture to your snack platter. Here are some ideas:

• Marinated vegetables: Think grilled zucchini or peppers, perfect for a Mediterranean touch.
• Raw vegetables: Carrots, celery and radishes are always a hit and can be served with dips.
• Stuffed peppers: Smaller peppers filled with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs.
• Vegetable chips: Beetroot or sweet potato chips are a crunchy alternative to traditional chips.

Tips for vegetable snacks:

• Make a rainbow of vegetables: This makes for an attractive presentation.
• Combine with dips for extra flavour.
• Use nice bowls to serve the vegetable snacks in.

With these different categories of delicacies, you can create a snack platter that is not only appealing, but also tasty. Combining different flavors and textures ensures that there is something for everyone, and will undoubtedly impress your guests.

Homemade Dip Recipes

In this section, we dive deeper into some popular recipes for homemade dips. These dips are not only easy to make, but also very tasty and perfect for any occasion. We cover three classics here: hummus, guacamole and tzatziki. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, preparation steps and useful tips for variations.

Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 can (400 g) chickpeas (for example BONUS or AH)
• 2 tablespoons tahini (such as Al Wadi)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for example Filippo Berio)
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Paprika powder (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

1. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water.
2. Place the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a food processor.
3. Mix until smooth. Add some water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
4. Spoon the hummus into a bowl and garnish with a little paprika powder and a drizzle of olive oil.

Variation tips

• Add roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Experiment with spices like cumin or coriander for an extra dimension.

Guacamole

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados (for example Hass avocados)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, peeled and diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Optional: a little jalapeño for extra spice

Preparation

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocados with a fork until smooth or coarse, depending on your preference.
3. Add the onion, tomato, lime juice and salt. Mix everything well.
4. Taste and add jalapeño for extra heat, if desired.

Variation tips

• Add fresh coriander for a fresh taste.
• Mix in a little garlic powder for extra depth.

Tzatziki

Ingredients

• 500 g Greek yoghurt (for example Fage Total)
• 1 cucumber, grated and well drained
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (such as Kirkland Signature)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the moisture with a clean tea towel.
2. Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil and white wine vinegar in a bowl.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Let the tzatziki sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour for the best flavor.

Variation tips

• Add fresh dill or mint for an extra fresh touch.
• Try different types of yogurt, like labneh, for a different texture.

Helpful Tips for Combinations

• Serve hummus, guacamole and tzatziki together on a plank for a colorful and varied snack platter.
• Combine dips with different types of vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, bell pepper and celery for a healthy snack.
• Add nachos or pita bread for a crunch factor to your dips.

Making your own dips not only gives you complete control over the ingredients, but also the ability to customize the flavors to your personal preference. Try these recipes and see which combinations you like best!

Homemade snacks and appetizers

Making homemade snacks and appetizers is a great way to treat your guests during a party or reception. In this section, we focus on some popular and tasty options such as oven-baked nachos, homemade bitterballen and stuffed mini peppers. We provide you with detailed recipes, handy tips and suggestions for the best results.

Oven Baked Nachos

Nachos are a classic when it comes to appetizers. Making your own nachos is easy and you can fully customize them to your own taste.

Supplies

• Nacho Chips: Choose Tortilla Chips from brand Tortilla King for an authentic taste.
• Cheese: Usage Old Amsterdam mature cheese, it melts nicely and has a delicious flavour.
• Toppings:
  • Jalapeños (pickled)
  • Black beans
  • Avocado (for guacamole)
  • Sour cream

Preparation

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Build up: Place a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Old Amsterdam cheese over the chips and add the jalapeños and black beans.
3. Baking: Bake the nachos in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve: Serve with guacamole and sour cream for an extra dimension of flavor.

Homemade Bitterballen

Bitterballen are a must-have on every snack board. Making your own bitterballen is a time investment, but the taste is unsurpassed.

Ingredients

• Beef stew: Usage Careful Kitchen slow cooked beef.
• Beer: Add a dash Heineken add to the ragout for extra depth.
• Bread-crumbs: Usage Dr. Oetker Breadcrumbs for a crispy outside.

Preparation

1. Making ragout: Start by preparing the ragout with the beef stew meat, beer, stock, and spices of your choice.
2. Cooling down: Allow the ragout to cool completely before shaping it into balls.
3. Breading: Roll the balls first in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.
4. Frying: Heat oil in a pan to 180°C and fry the bitterballen until golden brown.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Stuffed mini peppers are a colorful and healthy addition to your snack platter. They are easy to make and can be served hot or cold.

Ingredients

• Mini peppers: Choose the sweet mini peppers from Halsingland.
• Filling:
  • Cream cheese (for example Philadelphia)
  • Finely chopped herbs such as chives and parsley
  • Spiced tuna or smoked salmon for a luxurious version

Preparation

1. Preparing peppers: Cut the mini peppers in half and remove the seeds.
2. Making filling: Mix the cream cheese with the chopped herbs and possibly the tuna or salmon.
3. Fill: Fill the pepper halves with the mixture.
4. Serve: Place the stuffed peppers on a nice platter and garnish with some extra herbs for a fresh look.

Important Tips for Perfect Snacks

• Freshness: Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
• Preparation: Make the snacks ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will save time on the day of your party.
• Variation: Experiment with different flavors and combinations to surprise your guests.

Comparison of Snacks

With these recipes and tips you are well prepared to make the most delicious snacks and appetizers. Your guests will definitely be impressed by your culinary skills!

Conclusion: Enjoy your homemade snack platter!

In conclusion, with the various homemade treats and recipes we have discussed, you can take your drinks platter to the next level. It’s all about creativity and sharing delicious moments with your guests. Let your culinary skills shine and enjoy every bite. Make your next drinks party an unforgettable experience by applying these tips and recipes. Enjoy!