When hosting a drinks party, you want everything to be perfect, from the ambiance to the appetizers. However, putting together a drinks platter can be a challenge, especially with so many choices and flavors to consider. In this blog post, we understand your desire for a beautiful and tasteful presentation that will surprise and delight your guests. We explore the ideal elements for your drinks platter and offer practical tips to ensure that your next gathering is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Let’s discover together what the best composition for your drinks platter is!
The Basics: Cheese and Meats
Cheese and cold cuts are the heart of a successful snack platter. They are versatile and can be combined in countless ways, depending on personal preferences and occasions. In this section, we discuss the best types of cheese and cold cuts, and provide tips on how to optimally combine these flavors.
Recommendations for Cheeses
There are many types of cheeses available, but we often divide them into soft and hard cheeses. Below are some of the best choices within these categories.
Soft Cheeses
- Brie
- Brand: President Brie
- Features: Creamy, mild in flavor with an edible rind.
- Combination tip: Delicious with some honey and fresh figs.
- Camembert
- Brand: The Rustic
- Features: Melting and full of flavour; similar to Brie, but slightly stronger.
- Combination tip: Perfect with a nut bread and a glass of white wine.
- Feta
- Brand: Dodoni Feta
- Features: Salty and crumbly, ideal for salads and as a topping.
- Combination tip: Combine with olives and cherry tomatoes for a fresh taste.
Hard Cheeses
- Parmesan
- Brand: Grana Padano
- Features: Intense and nutty, with a grainy texture.
- Combination tip: Parmesan flakes are delicious on a salad or as a topping on pasta.
- Gouda Cheese (old)
- Brand: Beemster Old
- Features: A rich, full flavor with a light sweetness.
- Combination tip: Combine with chutney or fig jam for a sweet counterpoint.
- Cheddar
- Brand: Westcombe Cheddar
- Features: Full and sharp taste, perfect for various dishes.
- Combination tip: Great on a cheese board with apples and nuts.
Recommendations for Meat Products
In addition to cheese, there are also various types of cold cuts that can enrich a snack platter. Here are some popular choices:
- Prosciutto
- Brand: San Daniele Prosciutto
- Features: Thinly sliced, salty and sweet in taste.
- Combination tip: Serve with melon for a sophisticated combination.
- Salami
- Brand: Felicetti Salami
- Features: Savory and spicy, with a firm texture.
- Combination tip: Perfect with a glass of red wine and sourdough bread.
- Chorizo
- Brand: Paleta Ibérica Chorizo
- Features: Spicy and smoky, with a characteristic flavour.
- Combination tip: Ideal for tapas with olives and toasted bread.
Combining Flavors
A good combination of flavors can transform a simple snack platter into a culinary masterpiece. Here are some tips for combining cheese and meats:
- Contrasting Textures: Pair soft cheeses like Brie with firm meats like chorizo for an interesting texture mix.
- Sweet and Savory: Pair a sweet chutney or fruit compote with savory cheeses and meats to create balance.
- Fresh Elements: Add fresh ingredients, such as cucumbers or radishes, to add a fresh note to the salty flavors.
Example Combinations
| Cheese | Meats | Recommended Side Dish |
|---|---|---|
| President Brie | San Daniele Prosciutto | Honey and fresh figs |
| Beemster Old | Felicetti Salami | Chutney or fig jam |
| Grana Padano | Paleta Ibérica Chorizo | Toasted bread |
By making the right choices and following these tips, you can create a beautiful and tasteful snack platter that will impress your guests.
The Importance of Vegetables on your Snack Platter
Vegetables are a crucial part of any snack platter. Not only do they make for a colourful and attractive presentation, they also provide a healthy and refreshing addition to the often heavier snacks. Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, making them an excellent choice for a balanced snack.
Best Vegetables for your Snack Platter
When putting together a snack platter, it is important to choose a variety of vegetables. Here are some of the best options:
- Carrots: Preferably cut into thin strips or slices. They are crunchy and sweet, which offers a nice balance of flavors.
- Cucumber: Cut into slices or sticks. Cucumbers are hydrating and refreshing.
- Bell pepper: Use different colors (red, yellow, green) for visual appeal. Cut into strips or cubes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Whole tomatoes are ideal for an easy snack. They are juicy and full of flavor.
- Celery: Cut into long sticks. Perfect for dipping into dips and adds a crunch.
- Radish: Cut into thin slices for a spicy bite.
Tips for Cutting Vegetables
Cutting vegetables can be simple, but it's important to follow a few basic principles:
- Uniformity: Cut vegetables into even pieces for an attractive presentation and a consistent eating experience.
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife cuts through vegetables more easily and prevents bruising.
- Cutting board: Use a sturdy cutting board to ensure safety.
Delicious Dip Sauces
The right dipping sauces can take the veggies on your snack platter to the next level. Here are some popular and flavorful options:
Hummus
To notice:
- Maza: A popular choice with a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Olivio's Hummus: Known for its organic ingredients and great variety of flavors.
Advantages:
- Rich in proteins and fibers.
- Can come in different flavors (e.g. paprika, garlic).
Tzatziki
To notice:
- Old Amsterdam: Offers an authentic Greek tzatziki with a fresh cucumber flavour.
- Tastes: Organic tzatziki with natural ingredients.
Advantages:
- Ideal for a fresh change with a creamy texture.
- Contains probiotics through the yoghurt, which is good for digestion.
Guacamole
To notice:
- Holy Guacamole: A ready-made guacamole known for its taste and freshness.
- Rijck: Provides an organic guacamole without preservatives.
Advantages:
- Rich in healthy fats and nutrients.
- Adds a creamy and rich flavor to the vegetables.
Fresh Variety with Vegetables and Dip Sauces
The combination of different vegetables with tasty dip sauces provides a refreshing change on your snack platter. It offers guests the opportunity to choose from different flavors and textures, which contributes to an interactive and cozy dining experience. Moreover, these vegetables and sauces are a healthier alternative to chips and unhealthy snacks, making your snack platter not only tasty, but also nutritious.
Comparison of Dip Sauces
| Dip Sauce | Main Ingredients | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hummus | Chickpeas, tahini, garlic | Rich in proteins and fibers |
| Tzatziki | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic | Contains probiotics, refreshing |
| Guacamole | Avocado, lime, onion | Rich in healthy fats |
By presenting these vegetables and dip sauces on your drinks platter, you create an attractive and healthy option for any occasion.
Nuts: A Variety of Flavors and Textures
Nuts are an excellent addition to any snack platter. Not only are they delicious, they also offer a variety of nutritional benefits. Below, we discuss some popular types of nuts and their unique properties.
Popular Types of Nuts
- Almonds
- Taste: Slightly sweet and crunchy.
- Advantages: Rich in vitamin E and magnesium.
- Brand example: Alesto Almonds.
- Walnuts
- Taste: Earthy and a little bitter.
- Advantages: High in omega-3 fatty acids, good for heart health.
- Brand example: Ekoplaza Walnuts.
- Pecans
- Taste: Sweet and buttery.
- Advantages: Contains antioxidants and healthy fats.
- Brand example: Green & Black's Pecan Nuts.
- Cashew nuts
- Taste: Creamy and mild.
- Advantages: Rich in iron and zinc.
- Brand example: Pillowy Cashews.
Presentation Tips for Nuts
- Mix and Match: Combine different nuts for an interesting taste experience. A mix of almonds, walnuts and cashews provides variation in texture and taste.
- Use a Nice Tray: A wooden or marble tray is perfect for presenting nuts. This gives a luxurious look to your snack board.
- Add Herbs: By seasoning nuts with sea salt or rosemary, for example, you can further enhance their flavor. Try Salt and Pepper Almonds from Kruidvat for a bold taste.
Dried Fruit: A Sweet and Healthy Option
Dried fruit is a great way to add sweetness to your snack platter. It’s not only delicious, but nutritious too. Here are some popular choices.
Popular Types of Dried Fruit
- Dried Apricots
- Taste: Sweet and a little sour.
- Advantages: Rich in vitamin A and fiber.
- Brand example: Sun-Maid Dried Apricots.
- Dried Figs
- Taste: Intensely sweet and chewy.
- Advantages: Contains a lot of calcium and potassium.
- Brand example: Bio Today Dried Figs.
- Raisins
- Taste: Sweet and sticky.
- Advantages: Rich in antioxidants and iron.
- Brand example: Raisins by Sun-Maid.
- Dried Cranberries
- Taste: Sour-sweet.
- Advantages: Good for bladder health and rich in vitamin C.
- Brand example: Ocean Spray Dried Cranberries.
Presentation Tips for Dried Fruit
- Create a Colorful Mix: Combine dried apricots, figs and cranberries for a visually appealing and flavorful mix.
- Use Small Herb Bowls: Serve each type of dried fruit in separate small bowls for an organized look.
- Drop with Honey: A light drizzle of honey over dried fruit can take the flavors to the next level.
Achieving Flavor Balance
Combining nuts and dried fruit on your snack board can significantly enhance the flavor balance. The salty nuts combined with the sweet dried fruit create a harmonious whole. Here are some combinations to consider:
- Almonds and Dried Cranberries: The mild, nutty flavor of almonds goes perfectly with the sweet and sour cranberries.
- Walnuts and Dried Figs: The earthy notes of walnuts combine beautifully with the sweetness of figs.
- Pecans and Dried Apricots: The creamy texture of pecans and the sweet and sour flavor of apricots make for a delicious combination.
By following these tips and choosing the right products, you can create an irresistible snack platter that is both aesthetically pleasing and tasteful.
Conclusion: The Perfect Mix for Your Ideal Snack Board
In conclusion, composing the ideal snack platter requires attention to flavors and textures. By varying with cheese, meats, vegetables, nuts and a sweet ending, you can create a balanced and attractive whole. Dare to experiment with different combinations to discover the perfect snack platter for your occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
