Wondering what to have for dinner tonight? Here’s an idea!
Are you sitting there wondering what you are going to have for dinner tonight? What is something the whole family can enjoy? Not wanting to go out but also not wanting to cook?
Try small plates!
These are a fun way to use up leftovers in the fridge that doesn’t feel like there is enough for a recipe. Everyone gets what they want and it is minimal work! There are few dishes because most things will end up being finger foods, which is also a bonus in my book.
The idea came to me when I was looking at charcuterie boards, I think they are so pretty, but I don’t often want to take the time to do them.
With small plates, you can pick any type of vessel to serve out of. I have seen people use muffin tins to be able to keep everything separate and these would be super cute and fun, but I hate cleaning those :). You can also serve off of a big cutting board or out of a Tupperware container.
Or honestly, you can take the easiest route and just put the packages of what you would like used up out on the counter and serve onto your eating plates! Whatever goes with small plates!
To make sure the meal is balanced, I would start by looking for the following:
- Vegetables/fruits
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Bell pepper strips
- Cumbers
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Melon
- Proteins
- Cooked chicken to slice
- Deli meats
- Meatballs – cook them
- Chicken nuggets – cook them
- Salami
- Beef sticks
- Cheese
- Cheesesticks
- Cheese slices
- Grains
- Crackers
- Toast
- Triscuits
- Wheat Thins
- Pretzels
- Cereal
- Fun foods
- French fries
- Pizza rolls
- Tater tots
- Condiments
- Ketchup
- Ranch
- Vegetable dip
- Carmel dip
These will provide a well-balanced meal while making it a minimal effort and using up food stored in the fridge and pantry.
Check out my recipe tab for more family-friendly, affordable, and balanced meal ideas!