When organizing a party, you want everything to be perfect, including the culinary highlights. A snack platter is an excellent way to spoil your guests and create a cozy atmosphere. But what makes a snack platter really special? In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the art of putting together the best snack platter with spreads, so that you can tickle your guests' taste buds and offer an unforgettable experience. From popular spreads to clever combinations, you will discover everything you need to make your party a success. Let's start this culinary journey together!
What is a Borrelplank?
A snack board is a versatile and attractive way to serve various snacks, often presented on a wooden or ceramic board. These boards are not only a feast for the eyes, but also a perfect solution for social occasions, such as parties, drinks or informal gatherings. The snack board offers guests the opportunity to choose their favourite snacks themselves, which contributes to a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
Origin of the Borrelplank
The origin of the borrelplank goes back to the traditional Dutch borrel culture, where serving small snacks with a drink was common. This culture has evolved over the years, and the borrelplank has become an indispensable part of modern food culture. The concept has increased in popularity due to the growing interest in tapas and mezze, where sharing dishes is central.
Why is the Borrelplank Popular?
The drinks platter is a popular choice for events for several reasons:
- Diversity: A drinks platter allows you to combine different flavours and textures, so there is something for everyone.
- Social interaction: Sharing a drinks platter encourages conversation and interaction between guests.
- Ease: Preparing a drinks platter takes relatively little time and can be put together in advance.
- Adaptability: The contents of a drinks platter can easily be adapted to dietary preferences or allergies.
Components of a Snack Board
A well-composed snack board consists of a mix of different components. Below are some common elements that can enrich a snack board:
Cheese
Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. Some popular types are:
- Brie – A creamy French cheese that goes well with fruit and nuts.
- Gouda cheese – A classic Dutch cheese that is available both young and old.
- Blue cheese – For lovers of strong flavours, such as Roquefort or Stilton.
Meats
Cold cuts add a savory dimension to the snack platter. Popular choices include:
- Salami – Like the Italian Felino salami, which has a rich flavor.
- Prosciutto – Thin slices of this Italian ham are a luxurious addition.
- Chorizo – This Spanish sausage packs a spicy kick.
Vegetables
For a fresh and healthy touch, various vegetables can be added:
- Cucumber – Sliced for a crispy texture.
- Cherry tomatoes – For a sweet, juicy complement.
- Bell pepper – In various colours, for extra visual appeal.
Spreads
Spreads and dips complete the snack platter. Consider these options:
- Hummus – A creamy chickpea puree, perfect for dipping vegetables.
- Pesto – A tasty Italian spread that goes well with cheese.
- Olives – Either green or black olives can be added for a salty bite.
Sample Drinking Board
Here's an example of what a snack platter might look like, including specific brands and products:
| Component | Example | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Brie | President |
| Gouda cheese | Beemster | |
| Blue cheese | Roquefort | |
| Meats | Salami | Citterio |
| Prosciutto | Parma | |
| Chorizo | Palacios | |
| Vegetables | Cucumber | – |
| Cherry tomatoes | – | |
| Bell pepper | – | |
| Spreads | Hummus | Maza |
| Pesto | Sacla | |
| Olives | Olives de Provence |
With these guidelines and examples, anyone can easily put together an attractive and tasty drinks platter that is perfect for any type of gathering.
Popular Spreads for the Snack Platter
A drinks platter is not complete without a selection of tasty spreads that will tickle your guests' taste buds. In this section, we will discuss several popular spreads that will really complement your drinks platter. We will also provide tips on how to make these spreads yourself or where to buy them.
Hummus
Hummus is a versatile spread made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. It is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans and goes perfectly with vegetables, crackers and bread.
Make it yourself:
A simple recipe for hummus:
- 400 g chickpeas (canned)
- 60 g tahini
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
- Place all ingredients in a food processor.
- Mix until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice or salt.
Where to buy:
- To notice: Sweet Potato Hummus from Hummus & Co. or the classic Hummus from Alpro are popular options in the supermarket.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek dip made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and herbs. It is a perfect addition to pita bread, vegetables or as a light salad dressing.
Make it yourself:
A simple recipe for tzatziki:
- 300 g Greek yoghurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Let the tzatziki sit in the refrigerator for half an hour for the best taste.
Where to buy:
- To notice: Tzatziki from Fage or the organic version of Side field are excellent choices.
Tapenade
Tapenade is a French spread made from olives, capers and anchovies. This savoury spread is ideal for on bread or as a flavouring in various dishes.
Make it yourself:
A simple recipe for tapenade:
- 200 g black olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 clove of garlic
- 50 g olive oil
- Pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until a coarse paste forms.
- Adjust the seasoning with pepper.
Where to buy:
- To notice: Tapenade of L'Artisan du Fruit or the Mediterranean tapenade of Bonduelle are recommended.
Guacamole
Guacamole is a popular Mexican dip made with avocado, lime, onion, and cilantro. It is creamy and full of flavor, and goes great with nachos, tacos, or just plain with tortilla chips.
Make it yourself:
A simple recipe for guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, squeezed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Handful of coriander, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
- Mash the avocados in a bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Where to buy:
- To notice: Guacamole from Holy Guacamole or the organic version of Avocado Snack are popular choices.
Other Popular Spreads
In addition to the spreads mentioned above, there are many other options that can enrich your drinks platter, such as:
- Pesto: Perfect on toast or as a dip for vegetables.
- Brie with Cranberry: A delicious combination of creamy cheese and sweet cranberry.
- Red pepper tapenade: For a sweet and spicy taste.
Tips for the Perfect Drinking Board
- Variety: Make sure you have a good mix of spreads with different flavors and textures.
- Presentation: Use nice bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or vegetables.
- Accompaniment: Combine the spreads with various types of bread, crackers and fresh vegetables for a complete experience.
By adding these spreads to your drinks platter, you offer your guests a variety of flavors and textures that will make the evening unforgettable.
Combining Flavors: An Art on the Snack Platter
Composing a snack platter is an art that is not only about presentation, but also about the combination of flavors. Combining different spreads with other ingredients can lead to a balanced and tasteful whole. In this section we provide insight into how you can approach this.
The Basics: Choosing the Right Spreads
Before we dive into the pairings, it’s important to know what spreads are available and what their flavor profiles are. Here are some popular spreads:
- Hummus: A creamy chickpea spread, often flavored with tahini, lemon and garlic.
- Pesto: An Italian spread made from basil, pine nuts, olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Tapenade: A salty spread, usually made from olives, capers and anchovies.
- Beer cheese: A creamy cheese dip with a rich, beer-like flavor.
Flavor Combinations That Work
Now that we have a foundation laid, let's look at some delicious flavor combinations:
Hummus with Vegetables and Crackers
- Combination: Hummus with sliced cucumber, carrots and whole wheat crackers.
- Why it works: The creamy texture of the hummus goes perfectly with the crunch of the vegetables and crackers.
Pesto with Cheese and Charcuterie
- Combination: Pesto served with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto.
- Why it works: The savory and salty flavors of the charcuterie are enhanced by the fresh basil notes of the pesto.
Tapenade with Bread and Olives
- Combination: Tapenade on a slice of sourdough bread with a side of marinated olives.
- Why it works: The salty and umami flavors of the tapenade go perfectly with the acidity of the bread and the mild flavors of the olives.
Beer Cheese with Apple and Nuts
- Combination: Beer cheese with apple slices and a mix of mixed nuts.
- Why it works: The sweetness of the apple and the crunch of the nuts provide a nice contrast to the creamy and spicy beer cheese.
Tips for Making the Plank
When preparing your drinks platter, there are a few important aspects to take into account:
- Color and Texture: Balance different colours and textures. This makes the board visually appealing.
- Variation in Shapes: Cut vegetables and cheese into different shapes (slices, cubes, or sticks) to create diversity.
- Use of Small Baking: Small bowls or jars for spreads and dips can help keep everything neatly presented.
- Decorations: Consider adding sprigs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or basil, for added fragrant and visual appeal.
Examples of Brands and Products
Below you will find a table with some recommended products that you can use for your drinks platter:
| Product | Brand | Flavor Profile | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hummus | Hummus & Such | Creamy, garlic | Ideal with vegetables and crackers |
| Pesto | Greenway | Fresh, basil | Perfect for pasta or on bread |
| Tapenade | Oil | Salt, umami | Delicious with sourdough bread |
| Beer cheese | Frico | Creamy, beer flavor | Combines well with fruit |
By keeping these tips and combinations in mind, you will create a snack platter that is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a true taste feast!
Conclusion: Creating the Perfect Snack Board
In conclusion, we can say that a well-composed snack platter with spreads is essential for a successful party. By choosing local products and varying with textures and colours, you not only create a visually appealing presentation, but also an authentic taste experience. With the above tips and suggestions, you are well prepared to surprise your guests and offer a memorable snack experience.
