Mexican Appetiser Platter

Mexican Appetiser Platter is the ultimate board full of Mexican Chips, Dips and Salad, which can be prepared for get-togethers, parties or even regular dinners.

Mexican Cuisine is a favourite of the family and I loved creating this Mexican Appetiser Platter( charcuterie board ) It is a perfect way to serve snacks to your friends or family for a party. The inspiration to create the platter is from Rajani, who posted some platters for the Mega Marathon and I was totally floored by them. Hop on to her blog and check them.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie boards traditionally feature a curated selection of cured meats and cheeses alongside foods like crackers, berries and nuts. Meats are the highlight, but we can always customise these with vegetarian foods, and still get the same feel. The boards can be sweet or savoury. They make an exciting meal with different tastes & textures that compliment & contrast one another. My Bahubali Pakora Platter is one such interesting vegetarian board.

What do the Mexicans eat?

Mexican cuisine is colourful and tangy and the Mexicans love to eat. Breakfast in Mexico can range from a simple cup of coffee to a huge spread featuring huevos rancheros. The Mexican Bean Tortilla with some Skillet Potatoes makes an excellent breakfast and you can check a complete breakfast spread here. For a Lunch meal one can enjoy the Mexican Curry and Rice, but let’s enjoy the chips and dips today. These can be served in the evening or dinner also as there’s a lot to choose from. The platter is delicious and simple to create.

What is on my platter ?

Salsa
Pineapple Salsa
Sour Cream
Guacamole
Refried Beans
Barley Salad
Seven Layered Dip
Corn on the cob
Onions
Purple cabbage
Cucumbers
Lemon Slices

Store-Bought
Tzatziki
Tacos
Nachos
Pizzeria
Olives

How to Build this Mexican Board

Start with the centre of your board and work your way outward. I placed the Barley Salad right in the centre and placed the salsas. Two variations are a must, one smooth and one chunky. So I made Tomato Salsa and Pineapple Salsa.

Place the rest of the dips randomly. Try and add different coloured dips so that the colours liven the board and colours pop out. I added Guacamole, Seven Layered Dip, Tzatziki and Sour Cream. These dips are perfect for scooping into your tacos, or with chips for dipping.

Place a bowl of refried beans and sour cream, this will help to build your own Taco. We love doing that, choose your own stuffings and toppings and make your own Taco.

Surround the jar dips with Nachos, Pizzeria and Taco shells. These could be either homemade or store-bought.

Always add a fun element. I placed boiled corn on the cob, which was a hit and I must say one of the most enjoyable elements on the board.

Fill in the gaps with veggies like cucumber, onion, lettuce and shredded purple cabbage, which adds in a colour element too. Lemon slices and coriander leaves make excellent garnishes and are a must on any Mexican board.

Planning the Platter

Day 1

• Soak the kidney beans overnight if using the dried ones, alternatively use canned.
• Set the sour cream at night ( it takes almost 15-24 hours )/ use store-bought
• Boil the barley.
• Roast the tomatoes and capsicum for Salsa, prepare the salsa, store in a jar. / use store-bought
• Chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces / Tinned pineapple can be used.
• I have used store-bought Tzatziki, Nachos, Pizzeria Chips and Taco Shells.
• Sterilise the jars for dips.

Day 2

• Prepare the Refried Beans
• Pineapple Salsa
• Guacamole/use store-bought
• Seven Layered Dip, we have just to assemble it.
• Boil the corn
• Prepare the veggies like capsicums, onions, lettuce, purple cabbage, cucumbers, lemon slices.

Once all the preps are done it shall take just a few minutes to assemble and serve. I have already shared a few recipes but will share the rest in the upcoming posts. The Mexican Appetiser Platter is my post under Anniversary Mela.

What are the other items that could be added ?

• Variety of Cheese
• Jalapenos / Jalapenos Sauce
• Tortillas
• Pickled Carrots / Radish
• Spicy Nuts
• Mango Slices seasoned with Chilly and Lime

Can I create a board with storebought ingredients ?

Most of the Mexican Dips and Chips are easily available. If you are short on time, go ahead, get your supplies. You will create a gorgeous looking, scrumptious board in no time.