As any catering professional will know, appetisers are an integral part of the menu. More often than not, this is the first impression diners will have of the quality of the food. Therefore, it is vital that chefs and caterers create a diverse range of appetisers for diners to choose from. To find out exactly how to do that, read on for the top tips from the Country Range team.
Spice Things Up
With the growth of Asian-based flavours highlighted as a key trend by the MCA Menu & Food Trends Report 2019, it comes as no surprise that caterers are serving up dishes influenced by global cuisine to satisfy customers looking for fresh flavour combinations and new spices to try.
Spice doesn’t just have to mean hot but can be used to create a dish bursting with different flavours. To help caterers achieve this, the Country Range selection of fillings, salads, and dips are all delicious and come pre-marinated and pre-cooked to help you save time in the kitchen.
In need of some inspiration? Why not try this recipe for Piri Piri Chicken Spiced Potato Croquettes, for a tasty starter with plenty of flavour and spice. Or, for a lighter option, expand your range of appetisers with some Chicken Tikka and Avocado Crisp Cos Hearts.
Include Some Vegan and Vegetarian Options
As consumer habits change and vegetarian and plant-based diets continue to gain popularity, it is important that caterers can accommodate the changing food habits of customers, or risk falling behind their competitors. With 30% of consumers admitting that they are consuming less meat (MINTEL Attitudes Towards Casual Dining April 2019 Report), vegetarian and plant-based dishes are becoming increasingly common on menus.
In order to keep pace with the competition, you should add a variety of vegetarian and vegan appetisers to your menu. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious recipes to choose from, allowing you to cater to vegetarians and vegans without compromising on flavour. For a meat-free dish that is full of flavour, try our Couscous and Roast Vegetables Stuffed Pepper with Tomato Sauce.
Our range of products includes plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, allowing caterers and chefs to create a wide range of dishes. Highlights include our Houmous, Cous Cous and Roast Vegetables and BBQ Pulled Jackfruit – all of which are vegan.
Reimagine Classic Dishes
While it’s true that diners often reach for familiar dishes, the key to staying competitive is to offer familiar flavours with a new twist. This will ensure that your range of appetisers always reflects the latest trends while still appealing to a wide range of customers.
Take chicken wings for example. A menu staple when it comes to appetisers, they can be found in most eating establishments. To give yours a unique twist, why not serve them with soured cream and blue cheese sauce to offset the spice? This Soured Cream Marinated Chicken Wings recipe is sure to be a hit with your customers.
Some other reinvented classics that you should try include Supreme Chicken and Bacon Vol au Vents and Prawn Mayo Cocktail with Melba Toast for fresh takes on much-loved appetisers.
For even more inspiration to help you create a diverse range of appetisers, download our Soft Cheese and Yogurt Cookbook and the 40 Ways to Use Fillings, Salad and Dips booklet for 40 ways to use the product range.