A fresh take on the borrel platter

The business drinks reception — the "borrel" — is a fixture: after the meeting, during the conference, at the networking event. But the borrel platter itself has stayed practically the same for years. Bitterballen, mini quiches or the odd cube of cheese. Fine, but rarely a talking point. And that is exactly where the opportunity lies for caterers and hospitality professionals who want to stand out.

In this article we show how to give the borrel platter a fresh take: special, surprising, yet easy to order through the wholesaler and with minimal handling in the kitchen.

What makes a bar snack special and fit for business?

For a refined business reception, taste alone is not enough. A bar snack that suits a professional setting meets a few requirements:

• Served warm and fresh — a warm bite feels more special than something from the chiller.
• Easy to handle — no plates, no mess while networking.
• Broadly usable — fully plant-based and low on allergens, so everyone can join in (they contain only gluten; the Satébroodje may contain traces of nuts and peanuts).
• Workable for the kitchen — consistent quality and minimal handling.
• Easy to source — available through the wholesaler, with fixed article numbers.

The classic borrel platter versus the fresh take

The classic platter leans on deep-fried snacks. The fresh take replaces part of that with warm, richly filled mini rolls that add taste and a story. Instead of yet another sausage roll, you choose a plant-based alternative that looks, tastes and feels just that bit better.

Premium savoury snacks for the business platter

Three mini rolls from Huis van Hartig are especially suited to drinks receptions and events:

mini-Baasbroodje

The same rich, intensely creamy Baasbroodje, now in a handy mini format. The filling is rapeseed-oil based and contains 33% less saturated fat than a comparable cheese roll. Ideal for drinks receptions and events where taste and convenience meet.

mini-Zwamcijsje

A nicely spiced mini roll filled with circularly grown Dutch mushrooms. Surprising in taste, with a tender bite in a crisp puff-pastry crust. Less saturated fat, in a luxurious addition to the borrel platter.

mini-Satébroodje

A roll with a distinctive shape and crisp, plant-based puff pastry. Generously filled with herb-cooked mushrooms. A delicious satay flavour, without the use of nuts or peanuts.

All minis are fully plant-based and contain only gluten (wheat) as an allergen — the Satébroodje may contain traces of nuts and peanuts. That makes them easy to serve to large groups with varied dietary needs. Think event catering and mini snacks for conferences.

Why this works for caterers and F&B managers

Behind a good bar snack sits a logistics story too. These mini rolls are designed for it:

• Minimal handling — straight from the freezer into the oven or air fryer at 190 °C, crisp in 22 to 25 minutes. For an even better result we recommend taking the rolls out of the freezer 30 minutes before baking.
• Consistent quality — the same result every time, whoever is in the kitchen.
• Available through the wholesaler — orderable via the wholesaler, with an overview of locations and article numbers on the product page.
• For professionals — developed for foodservice: corporate catering, event catering, hotels and conference venues.

How to build a strong, surprising borrel platter

Combine the warm mini rolls with a few classics and a fresh component, and the platter is set:

• Warm mini-Baasbroodjes and mini-Zwamcijsjes as the savoury centrepiece.
• A handful of familiar deep-fried snacks for those who look for them.
• Something fresh in between: grapes, cucumber or a dip, for balance and colour.

The result is a platter that stands out, works for everyone and still sails through the kitchen effortlessly.

Frequently asked questions