Guest invasion imminent? No worries. Simply follow our five ways to prepare scrumptious snacks and charcuterie boards catering to a broad range of tastes and dietary requirements – and ensuring they impress your guests, of course.
1. Butter board
One of the more recent snack trends, these dairy boards are made using a base of thickly smeared butter, which can be shaped into petals or other sculptural elements (mixed with anything from herbs and spices to honey and garlic) with a variety of complementary toppings added. To get the butter base super creamy, a “quick whisk in a mixer makes it so much more luxurious,” says TikToker @zestfulkitchen.
@zestfulkitchen Let’s make my favorite #butterboard 👏🏼 crispy shallots and garlic make the perfect savory topping #fyp #trending ♬ original sound – Zestfulkitchen
2. Charcuterie board
Everyone loves charcuterie boards. The key is to include a good variety of ingredients to keep it interesting. A combination of dried fruit, nuts, cold meat and condiments will make a delicious base, which you can dress up with anything from edible flowers to stuffed olives. “Just fill in your gaps with fruits and veggies, grapes and berries,” says DIY YouTuber Angela Lanter (@angelalanter).
3. Cheese board
A varied snack offering isn’t complete without the obligatory cheese board. That doesn’t mean it has to be bland or dull, though. “You must have diversity in milk types (cow, sheep, goat) also in texture: soft, creamy, crumbly, firm and of course in strength too, mild and gentle to naughty and deliciously stinky,” says self-taught home-cook YouTuber Alex (@FrenchGuyCooking). This combination will get those tastebuds in a tingle when your guests arrive.
@laurennfranz QUICK AND EASY CHEESE BOARD! Including preparation this came together in about 10 minutes. Add crackers on the side of your preference and enjoy! Cheeses used: Gouda, 6 month manchego, cheddar, and Bella Vitano wine soaked cheese Meats used: Soppressata, salami, prosciutto, capocollo Veggies: cucumber, gala apple, red bell pepper Nuts: Marcona almonds Spread: fig and orange #dinnerpartiesmadeaccessible #cheeseboard #gouda #salami #viral #fyp #cheese #snacks ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
4. Snack board
Guests often arrive at a party a little peckish, so don’t let the side down by serving boring crisps and stale crackers. Give them a snack board to remember, with a little imagination injected into the ingredients and presentation. TikToker @thefamilynutritionist says she loves snack boards because “it allows you to use up all that random snack food you have in your pantry”. Simply adding a few additional ‘wow’ ingredients can make all the difference. And don’t forget wines to match.
@thefamilynutritionist Don’t cook dinner… make a snack board instead 🙌🏼❤️ #snackboard #snacktime #feedingkids #dietitian #dietitiansoftiktok #dietitiantips #dietitianapproved ♬ original sound – Alexandra Turnbull
5. Taco board
A different take on the snack plate is the taco board. Foodie @boardsbythebakermama has some fun taco presentations and topping ideas to share. Laid out with a variety of fillings, from guacamole and chopped onion and salsa to sour cream and grated cheese, tacos are a great way for guests to help themselves and fill the hunger gaps while choosing their own combination of ingredients.
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