10 Creative Ways to Serve Appetizers: Appetizer Sampler Platter
The appetizer sampler platter. A must have on any menu. Unfortunately, somehow the mixing of three or more culinary creations leaves a less than visually appealing tabletop presentation. Below are 10 ways to not only highlight your offerings, but delight your guests at the same time. A win-win for everyone!
An urban look that is very popular, try adding paper to a small baking pan and you have a new take on a old favorite.
Products Used:
| 18″ x 13″ Rectangular Tray | 4 oz. Condiment Cup | Food Safe Liner |
| 4-77808 | 4-84111 | 4-TD1900 |
Metal trays combined with metal 1lb boats will not only make a visual impact, but take care of the problem of the different items touching. Once again, paper liners are used to keep the look fresh and the clean up a snap.
Products Used:
| 16.25″ x 8.25″ Rectangular Tray | 4 oz. Ramekin | 9.5″ x 6″ Boat Tray |
| SST-18 | RM-400-W | 4-80888 |
Save time and energy washing plates with this durable stainless steel rectangular grid basket. Perfect for creating sharable dishes while maintaining a space saving, easy to stack, and portable tray.
Products Used:
| 9″ x 7″ Rectangular Grid Basket | 4 oz. Condiment Cup | Food Safe Liner |
| 4-835809 | 4-84111 | 4-TD1900 |
When your sampler is more for a happy hour and/or smaller portions, using a circle plate can still create a large impact. Try this look for your bar offerings.
Products Used:
| 6.5″ Round Plate | 4 oz. Ramekin |
| DP-506 | RM-400-W |
Traditionally, three or more appetizers are combined together on one platter. A simple way to offer this delightful treat to your guests is to place your samples around your sauces.
Products Used:
| 7.25″ Round Plate | 4 oz. Ramekin |
| BF-7-BK | RM-400-W |
A slight variation that can have a visual impact is using a square platter and adding carrots and celery. Not only do the extra veggies add color, it has the added benefit of keeping some of the food from touching.
Products Used:
| 8.75″ Square Plate | 4 oz. Ramekin |
| P-875-BK | RM-400-W |
Platter baskets have many uses on todays tabletop. Not only does the paper lining make for easy clean-up, but it is sized right for three or more appetizer samplers as well as the necessary sauce accompaniments.
Products Used:
| Round Basket | 4 oz. Ramekin | Food Safe Liner |
| RB-890 | RM-400-W | 4-TS1010 |
Don’t be afraid to try different shapes. This triangle shaped plate combined with triangle ramekins creates a visual impact and look that is different from what everyone else is serving.
Products Used:
| 12″ Triangle Plate | 2 oz. Triangle Ramekin |
| TP-12-TY | RM-201-BK |
While round has been the traditional approach, don’t forget about rectangle platters. Not only do they offer a canvas to beautifully layout your appetizer samples, but they save on table real estate.
Products Used:
| 13″ x 7.8″ Rectangular Platter | 4 oz. Ramekin |
| CS-6105-W | RM-400-W |
The elongated platter allows everyone at the table easy access to their favorites, while adding an elegance to this menu staple.
Products Used:
| 15″ x 7.5″ Tray | 4 oz. Ramekin |
| ML-287-BK | RM-400-W |
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