How to make a festive vegetarian drinks board for the holidays.

The holidays are a special time of year that is all about togetherness, coziness and good food. Perhaps you are looking for a way to surprise your guests with a tasty and colorful snack platter, but at the same time you want to take vegetarian preferences into account. In this blog article we share tips and inspiration for putting together a festive vegetarian snack platter that is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a delicious experience for all your guests. Discover the possibilities with us and learn how to present a versatile and tasteful selection that will appeal to everyone.

What is a drinks board?

A snack platter is an artistically presented platter consisting of a variety of appetizers, often served at informal gatherings such as birthdays, drinks or other social occasions. It not only provides a visually appealing whole, but also a range of flavors and textures for guests to enjoy while conversing with each other.

Origin of the snack board

The borrelplank originates from the Dutch tradition of 'borrelen', a social ritual where friends and family come together to enjoy drinks and small snacks. This tradition has evolved over the years and has expanded to various culinary influences from other countries, giving the borrelplank an international character.

In the past, snacks were often limited to simple cheese slices and sausages, but today the possibilities are almost endless. From luxury charcuterie to creative vegetarian options, the snack platter reflects the personal taste and preferences of the host or hostess.

The development of the drinks board

In recent years, the borrelplank has become increasingly popular, not only in the Netherlands, but also internationally. The rise of social media has contributed to this trend, with people sharing their beautifully composed borrelplanks on platforms such as Instagram. This has also led to the emergence of different styles and themes, such as:

• Mediterranean snack platter: with olives, feta, hummus and pita.
• Tropical snack platter: with tropical fruit, coconut chips and shrimps.
• Healthy snack board: with raw vegetables, dips and nuts.

Vegetarian options: a smart choice

Incorporating vegetarian options into your snack platter is not only good for vegetarians, but also for those who want to reduce their meat consumption. More and more people are opting for flexitarianism, which means that they eat meat less often, but still enjoy diverse flavors.

Benefits of vegetarian snacks

• Health: Vegetarian snacks are often rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• Sustainability: Reducing meat consumption has a positive impact on the environment.
• Flavor Variation: Vegetarian options can be just as flavorful and interesting as meat dishes.

Examples of vegetarian products

When composing your snack board, you can choose high-quality vegetarian products. Here are some specific recommendations:

• Hummus from Maza: This creamy and flavorful hummus is perfect as a dip for vegetables and pita.
• Willicroft Vegan Cheese: These plant-based cheese varieties are an excellent substitute for traditional cheeses and add a unique flavor to your platter.
• Olivier's stuffed dates: This sweet treat, often filled with nuts or cheese, is a real flavour enhancer on your dish.
• Peppersmith Vegetable Chips: These crunchy snacks are a healthier alternative to traditional chips and add a nice texture to the snack platter.

Inspirational snack board ideas

Here are some practical tips to make your drinks platter even more attractive:

• Choose a theme: This can vary from a specific country to a specific color. This makes putting together the board more fun and challenging.
• Diversify textures: Provide a mix of crunchy, creamy and soft bites to enrich the experience.
• Add a drink: Combine the drinks platter with a matching drink, such as a fresh rosé or a non-alcoholic cocktail.

By enriching the drinks platter with a variety of vegetarian options and creative presentations, you ensure that all guests, regardless of their diet, can enjoy a culinary experience.

Basic ingredients for a vegetarian snack platter

A vegetarian snack platter is a great way to showcase a variety of flavors and textures. This platter can be a real treat for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Below we discuss the main ingredients you can use, as well as some suggestions for specific products.

Cheeses

Cheeses are the core of many snack platters and offer a range of flavours. For a vegetarian snack platter there are many delicious options:

• Brie: This soft cheese is creamy and full of flavor. A good choice is the President Brie, which is readily available.
• Gouda cheese: A classic choice that can please both young and old. Try the Beemster Old, which has a nutty flavor.
• Goat Cheese: This cheese has a fresh, spicy flavor. Consider the Chavroux Goat Cheese, which is perfectly spreadable.

Dips

Dips add an extra dimension to your snack platter. They are ideal to combine with vegetables and crackers.

• Hummus: This popular dip made from chickpeas is both healthy and tasty. Hummus from Maza is an excellent choice, available in different flavours, such as classic and beetroot.
• Guacamole: This is a creamy avocado dip that will add a Mexican flair to your plank. Old El Paso Guacamole is ready-made and very tasty.
• Tzatziki: A fresh yoghurt dip with cucumber and garlic. Tzatziki from Fage is a reliable option with a rich flavor.

Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are not only healthy, but also colorful and attractive. They can be served with dips or simply placed on the board.

• Cherry tomatoes: These sweet tomatoes are perfect for snacking.
• Cucumber: Cut these into slices or bars for a refreshing crunch.
• Bell pepper: Choose a mix of colors (red, yellow, green) for visual appeal.

Nuts

Nuts add a crunchy texture and are full of flavor. They are also an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.

• Almonds: These nuts are versatile and can be served salted or unsalted. Try the Almonds of California.
• Cashew nuts: These creamy nuts pair well with most flavors. The Kirkland Signature Cashews are a popular choice.
• Walnuts: They have an earthy flavor and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. La Tourangelle Walnuts are a good option.

Crackers

Crackers are the perfect complement to cheeses and dips. They provide a crunchy texture that complements the flavors of the other ingredients.

• Rice cakes: A light option, like that of Lindenhoff, are perfect for combining with spreads.
• Multigrain crackers: As the Ritz Cracker, they provide a firmer base for cheese and dips.
• Spicy crackers: The Rudolph's Spicy Crackers add extra flavor and are an interesting variation.

Compound mixes

A well-composed snack board combines all of these elements in an attractive presentation. Make sure to keep a balance between flavors and textures. Consider using the following layout:

By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you will create a vegetarian snack platter that is not only delicious, but also visually appealing. Don't forget to finish it off with a few fresh herbs or an edible blossom for an extra touch!

Creative Additions and Themes for your Snack Board

A snack platter is not just a collection of snacks, but can also be an artistic and culinary statement. Adding seasonal ingredients and choosing a specific theme can significantly enhance your guests’ experience. Below, we explore some creative ways to transform your snack platter.

Seasonal Ingredients

By using seasonal ingredients, you will not only give your snack board a fresh look, but also a unique taste experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Autumn: Add roasted pumpkin cubes and chestnuts for a savory touch. Brands like Private label pumpkin puree is perfect for dips.
• Winter: Use cherry tomatoes and Brussels sprouts. These can easily be caramelized with balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
• Spring: Think of young green asparagus and radishes. These can be served raw or lightly steamed.
• Summer: Fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries make your board colorful and refreshing. Driscoll's berries are often available and have an excellent flavor.

International Kitchens

By playing with different international cuisines, you can take a world trip with your snack board. Here are some sources of inspiration:

Mediterranean Drinks Board

• Cheeses: Feta, halloumi and Manchego are excellent choices.
• Olives: Use a mix of green and black olives, for example from olive.
• Bread: Serve with pita bread or focaccia, which you can find at Bakery Van der Linde.
• Dips: Hummus and tzatziki are must-haves. Try D&L Hummus and Yogurtland tzatziki.

Asian Twist

• Cheeses: Use an assortment of sushi rolls. Sushi Daily offers ready-made sushi that is delicious.
• Snack vegetables: Add edamame and cucumber ribbons for a fresh crunch.
• Dips: Serve with soy sauce, wasabi and a spicy sambal. Brands such as Kikkoman for soy sauce are a good choice.
• Sweets: Finish with mochi ice cream from Little Moons for a unique treat.

Presentation Tips

The presentation of your snack board is just as important as the content. Here are some tips to make your board more attractive:

• Color and Texture: Mix up colors and textures. For example, pair crunchy vegetables with creamy cheeses.
• Serving on Wood: Use a wooden plank for a natural look. Planks of Etagere are perfect for this.
• Layering: Place taller items like dips in the middle and lower items like crackers and bread on the sides.
• Labeling: Consider using small labels for each item. This can be easily done with a chalkboard or card.

Sample Drinking Board

By implementing these creative additions and themes, you can create a snack platter that is not only delicious, but also provides a visual spectacle for your guests.

Conclusion: Create an unforgettable drinks experience!

In conclusion, creating a festive vegetarian platter for the holidays gives you the opportunity to combine creativity and presentation. By choosing different flavors, colors, and textures, you can create an appealing and delicious experience for your guests. Don’t forget to incorporate your own favorite ingredients and themes; this will not only make your platter unique, but also add a personal touch to the festivities. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy preparing an unforgettable platter that is sure to please.