Food platters are a great way to serve a range of finger foods for your guests to enjoy. They are easy to prepare and are sure to impress all your guests. They are also a great choice for any occasion, from casual picnics to formal dinner parties.
A grazing platter can be anything from a simple wooden or marble board to a larger serving tray with handles. Depending on the size of your party and the number of people you’ll be serving, you’ll need a variety of bowls, small plates, cutlery, & cheese knives.
Dips are another essential part of a good grazing platter. Whether you’re using hummus, apricot-avocado dips, or butternut tahini yogurt, it’s important to have plenty of different kinds of dipping sauces to keep things interesting and flavorful!
You can even make your own dips to put on your grazing platter! Try making some homemade ranch dressing, lemon parmesan dip, or honey-mustard dip to go with your platter.
For a more formal platter, consider a charcuterie board. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your guests to a wide array of cured meats and cheeses, as well as fresh fruit & veggies. It’s a delicious and low-maintenance way to feed a crowd, and you can easily swap out the cured meats & cheeses for seasonal produce.
When choosing a board, make sure to choose one that’s sturdy enough for the amount of weight you plan to put on it. You don’t want the board to fall over or break down, so opt for a wooden or marble board that will hold up and won’t be too heavy on your hands when you’re serving it.
The main reason to have a charcuterie board is because it’s a great way to showcase your favorite meats and cheeses. This makes it easy for your guests to sample and discover new flavors, and can be a great conversation starter for everyone at your party!
Once you’ve sorted out your meats & cheeses, you’re ready to start putting it all together. It’s a fairly quick process (about 30 minutes), and you’ll be amazed at how well everything comes together. It’s a great idea to spread parchment paper over your board to keep any fats/oils from soaking into the wood.
Color & Texture
When creating your grazing platter, remember that different colors are appealing to the eye. Avoid putting like-colored foods next to each other, and try to include contrasting textures in your mix. You can even use different types of crackers to add interest and texture, or try adding some dried herbs or chopped vegetables for visual appeal!
Toppings and Garnishes
The finishing touches can make or break a food platter. Try including some pretty cut fruits and veggies for a pop of color, or maybe a few pretty herbs like thyme or rosemary for some added interest!
You may also wish to add some garnishes like shredded carrot or cucumber. These are also a nice touch for guests who have allergies or other dietary restrictions, as they can easily be removed and eaten separately!