Finger food should be something a guest can lift off a passing tray and eat with one hand. Plenty of menus miss that. Here are five signs a dish belongs on a plate instead. Whether you are planning corporate catering, high tea catering or wedding catering, use them to check your menu.
1. It needs a fork or knife
If cutlery is involved, it is a small plate, not finger food. Spoons are the one exception, because things like roasted mushrooms or seared scallops can be served in them.
2. It has to be moved onto a plate
A guest should be able to grab it straight off a passing platter without transferring it to dinnerware.
3. It is flaky, crumbly or limp
Fish that flakes apart, puffy pastry that spills after one bite, or anything that sags in your hand will end up on someone’s outfit. Standard-sized pastries and hot dogs are delicious, but they do not qualify. The exception is anything small enough to finish in a single bite.
4. There is sauce involved
A little sauce smeared inside a bun, or a marinated piece of cheese or vegetable on a skewer, is fine. If the sauce is drippy, runny or needs dipping, it needs a plate.
5. It is bigger than a bite
If a guest cannot hold it between thumb and forefinger and eat it in a couple of bites, it is a small sandwich, not finger food. A slider needs a plate, especially with sauce. A truly bite-sized burger is a different story.
What passes the test
Arancini, mini quiche, antipasto skewers and spoon-served mushroom cups all hold together without a plate. Browse our gourmet finger food menu or get a quote.