A Dutch borrel is a good excuse to sit down with a few savoury bites and catch up. For the food, a board with cheese and cold cuts is an easy place to start. You can put most of it together before anyone arrives, then bring out a small warm snack later if you feel like it.
Start with the cheese
Choose a cheese you know you enjoy. Mature Gouda works well in small cubes or short slices that are easy to pick up. If you want a second cheese, choose something noticeably different: a milder Gouda, a smoked cheese or a cream cheese served in its own dish.
There is no need to buy a different cheese for every guest. A couple of choices give everyone something to try without leaving you with several barely touched packs. Cut a little to start with and keep the rest stored according to its label until you need it.
Add cold cuts without crowding the board
Fold thin slices of ham loosely rather than laying them in one thick stack. Put salami in a separate spot so guests can see what they are taking. Leave room for hands and small serving utensils; an overfilled board is awkward to eat from, however good it looks in a photograph.
Browse our cold cuts for the current selection. If you are serving guests with dietary requirements, keep the packaging to hand and check the ingredients instead of guessing from a product name.
Give the rich flavours something sharp
A small dish of mustard and a few pickles make useful partners for cheese and sausage. Add bread or plain crackers so there is something to build a bite on. For a sweeter option, try a little caramelized onion chutney beside the cheese.
- Put wet accompaniments in small bowls so they do not soften the bread.
- Keep a separate spoon with each dip or chutney.
- Place a cheese knife where it is easy to reach.
- Refill a small board as needed rather than setting out every pack at once.
Make a warm snack optional
If the board is becoming the evening meal, a batch of bitterballen or mini snacks can make a welcome second round. Prepare them according to the pack instructions and bring them to the table separately. You will find more ideas in our frozen food selection.
For a casual evening, the best board is the one that lets you sit with your guests. Choose a manageable amount of food and leave yourself very little to do after they arrive.
Put your board together
Pick your cheeses and cold cuts from Dutch Cheese 4 You, then add bread and your favourite accompaniments at home. Check the available packs before planning quantities for a larger gathering.