Nibbles and small bites menu
Nibbles and small bites are a staple of any drinks reception or borrel, the kind of food that sits on the table and keeps guests going between rounds. This menu is built around items that are easy to share, require no cutlery, and work well alongside a wide range of canapes and appetizers.
The selection draws on a mix of vegetarian and meat-based options: marinated olives and feta, crackers with hummus and dips, smoked almonds and nuts, aged Manchego, and a strong showing from some of Amsterdam’s best-known charcuterie producers, including Brandt & Levie and butchery Louman from the Jordaan.
This menu is not designed to stand alone as a full catering selection, but it works very well as a supporting layer alongside our other appetizer menus. Many clients use it to fill out a borrel table alongside the Amsterdam appetizers or vegetarian canapes, so there is always something to graze on between more substantial bites.
Nibbles & Small Bites
Rosemary crackers with beetroot hummus dip
Rosemary crackers served with a dip of beetroot and hummus.
(vegan, gluten-free option available)
Raw vegetable sticks and breadsticks with hummus and artichoke dip
A selection of raw vegetables and breadsticks served with hummus and artichoke dip.
(vegan)
Marinated Taggiasca olives
Taggiasca olives marinated in wine vinegar, lemon and olive oil.
(vegan, gluten-free)
Smoked almonds and lightly salted nuts
A mixed bowl of smoked almonds and lightly salted nuts.
(vegan, gluten-free)
Aged Queso Manchego
Diced organic Queso Manchego, aged 3 months.
(vegetarian, gluten-free)
Marinated feta
Diced feta marinated in olive oil and red peppers.
(vegetarian, gluten-free)
Ossenworst van Slagerij Louman
The classic Amsterdam ox sausage from butchery T.F.M. Louman in the Jordaan, sliced and ready to serve.
(gluten-free)
Amsterdamse leverworst
Amsterdam liver sausage made in the old style, seasoned with ginger and marjoram.
Droge worst van Brandt & Levie
A selection of modern dry sausages from Amsterdam sausage makers Brandt & Levie, available in black pepper, fennel seed, and rosemary with rose petals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add nibbles and small bites to an existing canape menu?
Yes, and this is actually one of the most common ways clients use this menu. The nibbles sit well on standing tables as a background layer, so guests always have something to reach for while the more composed canapes are being passed around. We can combine them with any of our other appetizer menus.
Is the nibbles menu suitable for vegetarians?
A good portion of the menu is vegetarian or vegan, including the olives, feta, Manchego, nuts, crackers and dips. The Amsterdam sausages are meat-based, so for a fully vegetarian borrel table we would simply leave those out and lean into the other items. Let us know your guest mix and we will adjust accordingly.
Are there gluten-free options in the nibbles selection?
Several items are naturally gluten-free, including the olives, marinated feta, Manchego, nuts and the ossenworst. The crackers and breadsticks contain gluten, but we can swap in gluten-free alternatives on request.
How much should I plan per person for nibbles?
Nibbles are typically served alongside other canapes rather than as a standalone selection, so quantities depend on the broader menu. As a general guide, 2 or 3 trays of nibbles per table works well over a two-hour reception. We refill if needed, so just pick 3 flavours and we make sure to bring the right quantities.
Planning an Amsterdam borrel?
If you like what you see, we are happy to put together a tailored selection based on your guest count, event format and any dietary requirements. You can share your preferences and we will come back to you with a clear proposal.
Browse related menus: Amsterdam appetizers, vegetarian canapes, fish & meat canapes, old school & retro canapes.