Do you love snacks as much as I do? They're the perfect way to start a meal or a fun evening, and they're usually small enough that you can try different types of appetizers. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite snacks with you. These recipes are all easy to make, and they are perfect for parties or get-togethers with friends.
Easy snacks for the drinks board
Almost everyone loves appetizer snacks. They are usually small, tasty and don't require much effort to prepare. That makes them the perfect dish for when you're having a party or just want something tasty to nibble on. Here are some easy-to-prepare appetizers that will add flavor and excitement to any appetizer
Dips
Vegetables or chips, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy dips! You can go classic with ranch or French onion dip, or get creative with flavors like spinach and artichoke dip or roasted red pepper hummus. If you're looking for something lighter, try serving a vegetable dish with a variety of dipping sauces on the side. Your guests will love being able to pair their favorite vegetables with their favorite dipping sauce!
Bruschetta and Crostini
Bruschetta is always a crowd pleaser, and there are endless toppings with which you can create your own dish. For something light and refreshing, top your bruschetta with diced tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar. If you're in the mood for something rich and flavorful, top your bruschetta with goat cheese and honey. And for a hearty option that will fill your guests without weighing them down, top your bruschetta with smoked sausage and peppers.
Crostini are another great option for appetizers! Top them with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a mini pizza snack or make a sweet treat by topping them with nutella and bananas. The possibilities are endless!
Cheese boards
A cheese board is always a good idea! Choose a variety of cheeses that will suit everyone, from mild to strong. Add some crackers or bread so your guests can combine their favorite cheeses. Add some olives or grapes to the board for extra color and flavor. And if you really want to impress your guests, pair your cheese plate with a selection of charcuterie! You can actually go in any direction and that makes cheese the ideal snack.
Cold cuts
Cold cuts are another easy and popular appetizer option. Serve them with olives or pickles on the side for a classic flavor combination. Or get creative by combining them with other dishes that complement their flavors. For example, try combining salami with cream cheese or proscuitto with watermelon. In Italy, people often work with cold meats and a combination with cheese. Our antipasti drinks board has all the ingredients to serve a fantastic Italian-style snack board!
Fruit serving boards
Fruit platters are not only healthy, but also incredibly beautiful to look at! Arrange seasonal fruits such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe and watermelon on a platter or in small bowls. Serve them with yogurt or chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests will love it.
Healthy snacks for the drinks board
Getting together with friends and family and enjoying delicious drinks and snacks is fantastic. But if you're hosting a party or get-together, you may feel pressure to prepare a delicious meal that everyone will love. While it's tempting to fill your table with unhealthy snacks, there are plenty of healthier options that are just as delicious. From roasted Brussels sprouts to cucumber slices with herb dip, here are six appetizers that will be a hit at your next get-together. Do you have special wishes and would you like to serve a fantastic snack board? Please contact us for one custom drinks board!
Cucumber slices with herb dip
Cucumbers are a refreshing and healthy option for a snack board. Slice them thinly and serve them with a homemade herb dip made from Greek yogurt, fresh herbs and a little olive oil.
Hummus with crudites
Creamy and flavorful hummus is always a hit. Serve it with an assortment of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery and peppers for dipping.
Seasoned eggs
Pickled eggs are a classic party dish for a reason – they're delicious! For a healthier twist on the traditional recipe, use avocado instead of mayonnaise in the filling. You can also add some chopped spring onions or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Antipasto skewers
These easy skewers are perfect for feeding a crowd. Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami and olives on each skewer. Serve them with a simple Italian dressing for dipping.
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Brussels sprouts are having a moment and for good reason – they're delicious! Roast them with a little olive oil and sea salt until crispy. Then drizzle them with a balsamic glaze and serve them warm.
Fruit skewers
Skewers aren't just for meat! Skewer pieces of fresh fruit such as pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes and berries on small skewers or toothpicks. Serve them alone or with a light yogurt dipping sauce for something extra special.
Snacks that can be made in advance
If you are organizing a party or drinks, you want to be able to enjoy yourself! One way to do this is to prepare some or all of the food in advance. That way, when your guests arrive, you can mingle and enjoy their company instead of standing in the kitchen. To help you, we have put together a list of 7 delicious appetizers that you can make in advance. From dates wrapped in prosciutto to skewers for Caprese salad, there's sure to be something on this list that everyone at your gathering will love! Do you have little time to get your own ingredients? Check us out ready-made drink boxes!
Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto
These little appetizers are so easy to make and only require 3 ingredients! Simply wrap dates in thin slices of prosciutto and bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Skewers with garlic shrimp
Another quick and easy option, these shrimp skewers only take 15 minutes to make! Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling them. Thread 5-6 shrimp onto each skewer, making sure there is space between each skewer. Whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the shrimp skewers and grill (or broil) them for 2-3 minutes per side, until done.
Grilled cheese appetizers
These are a twist on the classic sandwich that everyone loves! Start by cutting a loaf into 1-inch pieces. Spread each piece with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite cheese spread (we love this jalapeno spread!). Grill the bread on both sides until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Cut each grilled cheese slice into 4 bars and serve warm.
Mini Quiches
Quiche is always a crowd favorite and can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve! For this recipe you will need pre-made tart shells (found in the frozen food section of most grocery stores). Fill each shell with a mixture of 3 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup grated cheese, and your favorite quiche filling (bacon, sausage, vegetables, etc.). Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until center is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Caprese Salad Skewers
A healthy option that is perfect for summer drinks! Thread cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling). Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and dried basil leaves. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready
Asparagus wrapped in bacon
Another fantastic 'make-ahead' snack! Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Cut bacon strips in half crosswise, so you have about 24 short strips of bacon in total. Wrap one strip of bacon around each asparagus skewer (you may need to halve some bacon strips lengthwise to get them around the asparagus skewers). Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve warm or at room temperature
Havarti and herb crackers
These savory crackers are so easy to make and only require 3 ingredients! Simply mix together 1 package softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup grated Havarti cheese, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives. Spread the mixture on crackers (we like these Multigrain Crackers) and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready.
Vegan snacks for the drinks board
Snacks for the drinks board are ideal for a pleasant evening. But what if you are vegan? Don't worry, we have also paid attention to this and go into more detail about ingredients and preparation methods! Here are six vegan appetizers that will please even the most discerning palates. Except one vegetarian drinks box we can also make drink boxes that are completely vegan proof. Contact us!
Fried zucchini with vegan ranch dip.
This snack is healthy and tasty. The zucchini is baked, not fried, so it has less fat than many other starters. The ranch dip is made with vegan mayonnaise, so it is completely dairy-free.
Preparation method; time 10 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Lightly grease a baking tray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip the zucchini slices into the mayonnaise mixture until evenly coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot or cold.
Roasted red pepper and artichoke hummus.
This hummus is creamy and rich, with a slight smokiness from the roasted peppers. It is perfect for dipping vegetables or pita bread.
Preparation method; time 20 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine chick peas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts and pulse a few times to combine.
3. Mix in chopped parsley by hand.
4. Serve with a drop of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.
Black bean taquitos with avocado dipping sauce
These taquitos are crispy, golden brown and filled with savory black beans. The avocado dip is cool and creamy, making it the perfect foil for the spicy taquitos.
Preparation method; time 45 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
For the taquitos:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup salsa
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
10-12 small soft tortillas
For the avocado dipping sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking tray.
2. In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher. Mix in the sautéed onion and garlic, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt and black pepper.
4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the black bean mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. To make the avocado dip, combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
7. Serve the taquitos with the avocado dipping sauce.
Spicy cucumber sticks with vegan tzatziki sauce
These cucumber rounds are a refreshing change from traditional starters such as chips and dip. They are light and crispy, with a little heat from the chili peppers. The tzatziki sauce is cool and spicy, making it the perfect accompaniment to the cucumbers.
Preparation method; time 15 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the vegan tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup non-dairy yogurt
- 1/2 of a cucumber, peeled and deseeded
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
2. Place cucumber rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush them with the chili oil mixture.
3. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
4. To make the vegan tzatziki sauce, place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
5. Serve the cucumber rounds with the tzatziki sauce.
Zucchini fritters with roasted red pepper dipping sauce
These zucchini fritters are light and crispy, with a slightly sweet taste from the cornmeal. They are served with a creamy roasted red pepper dip, making them the perfect appetizer or appetizer.
Preparation method; time 30 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Versly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
For the roasted red pepper dipping sauce:
- 1 red pepper, roasted
- 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add zucchini, cornmeal, salt and black pepper and mix well. Cook 5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
3. Add flour and dairy-free milk and mix well.
4. In a separate frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Spoon 1/4 cup of batter into the hot oil and flatten into a patty. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. For the roasted red pepper dip, place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.6. Serve the zucchini fritters with the dipping sauce.
Buffalo cauliflower snacks with blue cheese dipping sauce
These Buffalo cauliflower snacks are a healthier alternative to traditional Buffalo chicken wings. They are baked, not fried, and the cauliflower gives them a nice crunch. The blue cheese dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the spicy cauliflower.
Preparation method; time 30 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
For the blue cheese dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 1/4 cup vegan blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine non-dairy milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
3. Add cauliflower pieces and cover them evenly with the batter.
4. Spread the cauliflower on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, vegan butter, and 1 tablespoon of water. Cook over low heat until the butter has melted.
6. Remove from the heat and add the fried cauliflower. Toss to coat.
7. For the blue cheese dip, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
8. Serve the Buffalo cauliflower snacks with the dipping sauce.
Grilled portobello caps with roasted garlic aioli.
These grilled portobello mushrooms are juicy and flavorful, with a slightly smoky taste from the grill. The roasted garlic aioli adds a touch of decadence to this dish.
Preparation method; time 30 minutes. For 4-6 people
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the roasted garlic aioli:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, roasted
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and black pepper.
3. Place the portobello caps on the grill and brush them with the marinade. Grill for 8 minutes per side, or until done.
4. For the roasted garlic aioli, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
5. Serve the grilled portobellos with the roasted garlic aioli.
Whether you are vegan or just looking for something different, these appetizers are sure to please. So go ahead and give them a try!
Present your snack platter in a beautiful way
Appetizers are the perfect way to start a meal or carry on a party. But before you can enjoy your snacks, you have to make them – and that includes a beautiful presentation. Follow these simple tips and you'll be sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. Do you want to be completely unburdened? Take a look at our grazing table catering!
Buy a nice drinks board
This is an important first step. A beautiful snack board makes your snacks look so much tastier. Think about the overall color scheme of your event and try to find a sign that complements it. If you're going for a rustic look, consider a wooden cutting board or a slate cheese board. For a more elegant affair, go for porcelain or glass.
Arrange your snacks on the plate in an interesting way
Once you have your snack board, it's time to start arranging your snacks. Be creative with it! Use different colors, shapes and sizes for a visually appealing presentation. You can also play with texture by using cooked and raw ingredients, or soft and crunchy items. Just make sure that all ingredients are visible and easily accessible. No one wants to eat from a messy shelf.
Make sure all ingredients are visible
This tip is consistent with the previous one. When arranging your snack platter, make sure that all ingredients are visible, so that guests know what they are eating. No one wants to be surprised by a hidden ingredient, especially if they have allergies. If you're using toothpicks or skewers, consider labeling them with flags so guests know what they're getting into before they take a bite.
Serve at room temperature for best results
Cold snacks can be difficult because they lose their flavor if they are not served at the right temperature. Hot snacks can also be difficult to keep warm during an event. That's why it's always best to serve your snacks at room temperature as much as possible. Then they taste just as good at the beginning of the party as at the end. Besides, no one likes lukewarm food! Unless it's soup, of course
With these simple tips you are well on your way to presenting beautiful snacks on your drinks boards that will certainly impress your guests!
Order your snack platter at Food and Wood
Appetizer boards are the perfect way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests. It is not only fun to eat alone from a snack board, but also a delicious way to whet everyone's appetite for the main course with small appetizers. We hope that this blog post has given you some ideas for snacks that you can prepare in advance and present in a beautiful way on your drinks board or grazing table.
If you need help finding the right drinks boards and drinks boxes for your event or drinks, you can contact us! Please feel free to contact us
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