When it comes to making a snack board, having an excellent sense of food styling is the best way to knock it out of the park. Whether you’re having an end of summer picnic or celebrating your kids going back to school with the gals, putting in a little extra effort can impress even your biggest foodie friends.
Snack boards are a fun centerpiece for any occasion, beautiful in appearance with a variety of delicious eats to choose from. The great part about creating a snack board is that you can put anything you want on there and have some fun getting creative! This snack board that we made recently pulls together some great elements that we find are helpful to share. Here are some tips when making your own snack board:
Good quality ingredients
Choosing good quality ingredients will amplify your snack board and is actually one of the easiest ways to make it a hit. When you shop locally and know where the food comes from, you’ll notice the heightened flavors, pretty colors and better quality in the ingredients. Highlighting seasonal fruits and veggies is essential for your snack board aesthetics. Tip: Ask at your farmers market for their top picks. Ask the cheesemonger about which cheese pairs with what. You won’t be disappointed with the knowledge that these people have and your guests will be impressed too!
Brightly colored fruits and veggies
Good quality ingredients also relates to color quality! When it comes to fresh produce, brighter usually means better. Head to your local farmers market and pick out some fruits and veggies that are eye popping and will brighten up your plate. Pick up some edible flowers to accent with. When you are making a snack board think of a rainbow and try to include every color.
Variety of textures
This might be one of the most important tips. You want to have a balance of texture while working your way through the snack board. Nuts and crackers are a great way to add a good crunch and pair perfectly with savory or sweet snacks. Cheese and softer fruits will add a creamier texture for the crackers and nuts. Dips are perfect as well to pair with veggies or crackers. Add sesame seeds or freshly chopped herbs for garnishes.
Arrangement
When it comes time to arrange your board, let your creativity shine! Don’t think too hard about it and let your eyes do the magic. Place the colorful items in a way that is pleasing to the eye and flows with the items they can be paired with. When in doubt sprinkle some of indi chocolate spice rubs on top of dips and cheeses for a nice pop! If you have some extra time, cut the produce into fun and satisfying shapes that catch your attention.
Below are the recipes seen on these snack boards.
Cacao Masala Baba Ganoush
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Cacao Masala, Turmeric, Lime Hummus
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Goat Cheese + Jamaican Jerk
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Beet Hummus
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Salmon Rillettes (Recipe courtesy of Eat Seattle)
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Pate (Recipe courtesy of Eat Seattle)
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