Vegetarian and Vegan Options for your Brunch Snack Platter

During a cozy brunch, a snack platter is a perfect way to combine different flavors and textures. Of course, you want all your guests, regardless of their dietary requirements, to be able to enjoy the delicacies you serve. That is why in this blog post we focus on the delicious vegetarian and vegan options that make your snack platter not only tasteful, but also visually appealing. Get inspired by our creative ideas and make your brunch a party for everyone at the table!

What is a Borrelplank?

A borrelplank is a tasteful and visually appealing way to serve various snacks, usually in a social setting. This concept originated in Dutch culture, where sharing food and drinks with friends and family is an important part of social interaction. The borrelplank offers a varied range of delicacies, making it an ideal choice for drinks, parties and other gatherings.

History of the Borrelplank

The origins of the borrelplank are rooted in the tradition of the aperitif, where small snacks are served to whet the appetite before the main meal. In the Netherlands, this tradition has developed further, and today the borrelplank is a popular choice for various occasions. The idea is to offer a variety of flavors and textures, so that guests can taste and enjoy a range of culinary delights.

Types of Snack Boards

Drinks boards can vary greatly in composition and style, depending on the occasion and the preferences of the guests. Some common types are:

• Cheese board: A selection of different cheeses, such as old cheese from Beemster, goat's cheese from Le Petit Fromage and brie from President, often served with nuts, grapes and crackers.
• meat board: A combination of various meats, such as prosciutto from Beretta, salami from Gallo and chorizo from El Pozo, accompanied by olives and marinated vegetables.
• Vegan Plank: A completely plant-based option, featuring Al'Fez hummus, mixed nuts and dried fruits, along with seasonal vegetables like carrots and cucumbers.
• Mediterranean Plank: A mix of local specialties, such as tzatziki, dolmas and feta, complemented with pitas and pita chips.

Importance of Variety and Presentation

Putting together a snack platter requires attention to variety and presentation. A well-balanced platter contains different flavors, from savory to sweet, and various textures, from crunchy to creamy. This makes it not only appealing to the eye, but also to the taste buds.

When presenting a drinks platter, it is important to take the following aspects into account:

• Colour: Make sure to have a colorful mix of ingredients. For example, combine the golden cheddar cheese with the green grapes and the deep red berries for a vibrant effect.
• Texture: Vary textures by combining hard cheeses with soft spreads and crunchy nuts.
• Layout: Use a wooden board or a pretty serving plate and arrange the ingredients in a way that is inviting. Use small containers for dips and spreadables.

Practical Examples of Products

Below you will find a list of specific products that would be ideal for a drinks platter:

• Cheeses:
  • Beemster Old
  • Le Petit Fromage Goat Cheese
  • President Brie
• Meats:
  • Beretta Prosciutto
  • Gallon Salami
  • The Pozo Chorizo
• Vegan Options:
  • Al'Fez Hummus
  • Various nuts from the Nut Farmer
  • Seasonal vegetables from the local market
• Dips and Sauces:
  • Tzatziki from Oikos
  • Pesto from Sacla
  • Olive tapenade from Olives et Co.

A well-curated snack platter can provide the flavor and variety your guests will appreciate and enhance the social experience.

Vegetarian Options for your Snack Platter

A snack platter is an ideal way to welcome guests and let them enjoy various delicacies. For vegetarians, there are countless delicious options that are not only tasty, but also visually appealing. Below we present some excellent vegetarian ingredients and tips to create an unforgettable snack platter.

Various Cheeses

Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. Choose a range that offers different flavours and textures:

• Brie: A creamy French cheese that is perfect for pairing with nuts and fruit.
• Gorgonzola: This blue-veined cheese adds a tangy flavor and pairs well with honey and figs.
• Goat Cheese: A soft goat's cheese, such as that from Mountain cheese, can be flavoured with herbs or nuts and is delicious on fresh bread.

Tips for pairing cheeses:

• Serve cheeses at room temperature for best flavor.
• Place a card next to each cheese to identify the types and flavors.

Olives and Pickled Vegetables

Olives are an excellent addition to your snack platter. There are different types, each with their own unique taste:

• Green Olives: Try the Kalamata or Manzanilla for a savory taste.
• Black Olives: The Taggiasca has a mild, sweet taste that goes well with cheese.

Additionally, pickled vegetables like artichokes, gherkins, and pepperoncini are a great way to add crunch and tartness to your platter.

Example of an olive mix:

• Olive mix from Oliviers: A fragrant mix of different olives, perfect for a drinks platter.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are not only tasty, but also a colorful addition to your snack platter. Think of:

• Peppers
• Zucchini
• Eggplant

You can easily grill these vegetables with a little olive oil and salt. Serve them with a balsamic reduction for extra flavor.

Dips and Spreads

A variety of dips will complete your snack platter. Here are some popular options:

• Hummus: Choose the traditional version of Hummus Plus or try flavors like beetroot or avocado.
• Tzatziki: A fresh yoghurt dip that goes well with pita or raw vegetables.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that is always a hit.

Combine dips:

• Serve the dips in small bowls to make it visually appealing.
• Add freshly cut veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and celery for a healthy crunch.

Fresh Bread

No snack platter is complete without fresh bread. Consider the following options:

• Baguette: A rustic baguette from the bakery, perfect for dipping.
• Flatbread: A light flatbread, like the one from Pita Paradise, ideal for hummus and tzatziki.
• Crispbread: This crispy Swedish bread offers a delicious texture and is perfect for topping with different cheeses.

Presentation Tips

An attractive presentation makes your snack board even more inviting. Here are some tips:

• Use a wooden plank: This gives a rustic look and is perfect for arranging different ingredients.
• Play with heights: Use small bowls and different heights to make the shelf more lively.
• Add garnishes: Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can add a nice finishing touch to your presentation.

By integrating these vegetarian options and presentation tips into your snack platter, you will create a delicious and attractive experience for your guests. Enjoy the diversity and flavors that a vegetarian snack platter has to offer!

Vegan Options for your Snack Platter

A snack platter is a great way to bring friends and family together, but for those who eat vegan, it can sometimes be a challenge to create an appealing and tasty selection. Luckily, there are plenty of vegan alternatives that not only match the traditional flavors, but also offer a delicious variety of textures. Below, we discuss some excellent options for a vegan snack platter.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are not only nutritious, they also add a delicious crunch to your snack platter. Consider adding the following types:

• Almonds: These are rich in vitamin E and a great source of protein.
• Pistachios: Their unique flavor and vibrant color make them a visually appealing addition.
• Pumpkin seeds: These seeds are perfect for roasting with spices for extra flavor.

Examples of Products:

• Pistachio Roasted & Salted from Wonderful: A popular choice for a savory snack.
• Raw Pumpkin Seeds from Terrasana: A healthy, unprocessed option.

Vegan Cheeses

Vegan cheeses are more popular than ever these days and offer a variety of flavors and textures. They are often made from nuts, soy, or coconut. Here are a few options to consider:

• Plant-based cream cheese: Brands such as Violife and Coconut offer tasty varieties that are perfect for crackers or bread.
• Vegan hard cheeses: Look at Sheese or Veganz for a 'matured' taste.

Examples of Products:

• Violife Cream Cheese: Creamy and ideal on a bagel or as a dip.
• Sheese Medium Cheddar: Suitable for a sandwich or as part of a cheese board.

Avocado

Avocado is a versatile ingredient that not only adds creaminess but also a beautiful green color to your snack platter. Consider the following ways to use avocado:

• Guacamole: Make a simple guacamole with avocado, lime juice, onion and cilantro. Serve it with tortilla chips.
• Avocado on toast: Slice avocado and serve on toasted bread with a pinch of sea salt and chili flakes.

Homemade Dips

Dips are essential for a snack platter and can easily be made vegan. Here are some popular recipes:

• Hummus: A classic made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Try different flavour variations such as roasted red pepper or herbs.
• Baba Ganoush: A creamy dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. This will give a smoky flavor to your plank.
• Spinach dip: Make a vegan version of spinach dip with coconut cream and cashews for a creamy texture.

Examples of Dips:

• Hummus from Al'Fez: A ready-made option that is delicious and accessible.
• Baba Ganoush from M&S: A luxurious addition that takes your board to the next level.

Combining Flavors and Textures

The key to a successful snack platter is combining different flavors and textures. Here are some tips:

• Salty and sweet combinations: Combine salted nuts with sweet dried fruits such as apricots or dates.
• Crunchy and creamy textures: Place crunchy crackers next to creamy dips and cheeses.
• Herbs and spices: Add an assortment of herbs such as rosemary, thyme and chili flakes to enhance the flavors.

Example of a Vegan Snack Platter

Here's a suggestion for building a vegan snack platter:

With these vegan options and combinations, you can make sure that your snack platter is not only visually appealing, but also offers a true taste sensation. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy putting together a delicious vegan snack platter that will delight everyone!

The perfect end to your brunch with delicious plant-based choices

In conclusion, putting together a vegetarian or vegan snack platter for your brunch offers countless opportunities to combine both taste and creativity. By experimenting with different ingredients and presentation formats, you can create an attractive and delicious selection that suits the preferences of all your guests. With the tips and options discussed in this blog, you are well prepared to organize a successful and cozy brunch that everyone can enjoy. Let your culinary imagination run wild and turn your snack platter into a real treat.