15 Small Plate Recipe Ideas for Upsizing Restaurant Sales

Dec 31, 2022
Blog

Are you a restaurant owner looking to enhance your menu with innovative and appetizing small plate options? Pollen Bank is here to help you elevate your culinary offerings and boost your restaurant sales. Small plates have become increasingly popular among diners, offering the opportunity to indulge in a variety of flavors and shareable bites. In this article, we present you with 15 small plate recipe ideas that are sure to impress your customers and keep them coming back for more.

1. Crispy Cauliflower Bites with Spicy Aioli

These crispy cauliflower bites are a vegetarian delight that will leave your customers craving for more. The combination of perfectly seasoned cauliflower, lightly breaded and baked to crispy perfection, paired with a tangy and slightly spicy aioli sauce, will have even the most skeptical carnivores asking for seconds.

2. Sesame-Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs

Liven up your small plate offerings with these flavorful sesame-teriyaki glazed meatballs. Made with a combination of ground meats, aromatic herbs, and a rich teriyaki glaze, these bite-sized wonders are bursting with umami flavors that will have your customers raving about them for weeks to come.

3. Zesty Citrus Shrimp Ceviche

Transport your diners to a tropical paradise with this refreshing and zesty citrus shrimp ceviche. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy citrus juices, and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for a light and refreshing small plate option. Your customers will be coming back for more.

4. Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Indulge your customers in the exotic flavors of Southeast Asia with these mouthwatering chicken satay skewers. Marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and served with a delectable peanut sauce for dipping, these skewers are a surefire hit that will transport your diners to the bustling streets of Thailand.

5. Gourmet Mac and Cheese Bites

Put a gourmet twist on everyone's favorite comfort food with these irresistible mac and cheese bites. Made with a combination of premium cheeses, truffle oil, and crispy breadcrumbs, these bite-sized morsels will have your customers savoring each cheesy, indulgent bite.

6. Spicy Tuna Tartare with Avocado

Elevate your small plate offerings with this elegant and flavorful spicy tuna tartare. Made with the freshest sushi-grade tuna, a hint of spice, and creamy avocado, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave your customers craving for more.

7. Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Add a touch of Southern charm to your menu with these mini chicken and waffle sliders. The combination of crispy fried chicken, fluffy mini waffles, and a drizzle of maple syrup creates a mouthwatering bite that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.

8. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Impress your diners with these elegant and refreshing caprese skewers. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, these skewers are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

9. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Satisfy your customers' cravings for smoky, meaty goodness with these mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork sliders. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender pulled pork is smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce and served on soft, toasted slider buns, creating a flavor explosion that will have your customers lining up for seconds.

10. Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini

Add a touch of elegance to your small plates menu with these vibrant beet and goat cheese crostini. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets is complemented by creamy goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, creating a visually stunning and delicious bite-sized appetizer.

11. Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli

Delight your customers with this classic favorite, fried calamari with lemon aioli. Crispy, golden-brown calamari rings are served with a zesty lemon aioli for dipping, creating a crowd-pleasing small plate that pairs perfectly with a refreshing cocktail.

12. Mushroom and Truffle Croquettes

Indulge your customers' taste buds with these luxurious mushroom and truffle croquettes. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these delectable bites are filled with a rich and earthy mixture of mushrooms, truffle oil, and melty cheese.

13. Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese

Add a touch of sweetness, saltiness, and creaminess to your small plate offerings with these irresistible bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. The combination of crispy bacon, soft and sweet dates, and tangy goat cheese creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for a shareable appetizer.

14. Bruschetta with Fresh Tomato and Basil

Keep it simple yet delicious with these classic bruschetta bites. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a refreshing mix of diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, making it an ideal small plate option that highlights the freshness of seasonal ingredients.

15. Smoked Salmon Canapés with Dill Cream Cheese

Impress your customers with these elegant and flavorful smoked salmon canapés. Delicate slices of smoked salmon are layered on crisp crackers and topped with a creamy dill-infused cream cheese, creating a sophisticated small plate that is perfect for special occasions or upscale dining experiences.

With these 15 small plate recipe ideas, you can elevate your restaurant offerings and provide your customers with an exciting and diverse culinary experience. From crispy cauliflower bites to gourmet mac and cheese bites, Pollen Bank's unique and flavorful recipes are designed to boost your restaurant sales and keep your customers coming back for more. Explore our eCommerce and shopping potential today and give your menu the boost it deserves.

Remember, it's not just about the quality of the ingredients or the skill in the kitchen. It's about creating an unforgettable culinary journey for your customers, and Pollen Bank is here to help you achieve just that. Embark on a small plate revolution today and watch your restaurant sales soar!