How to Build a "Snack Plate" for Dinner

The “Snack Plate” for Dinner concept is one that my family has been using to keep things fresh, tasty, and customizable for every person in the family. Find out my technique below for the world’s easiest dinner!

Long gone are the days where I would make a sit-down family dinner, kids would put their napkins in their lap, and we would politely pass dishes and scoop a little of EVERYTHING on our plates.

Good joke. Or wishful thinking, am I right?!

Honestly, family meals right now are only sit-down and all together when 1. We are eating with Nana and Goomba either up north, at their house in Dearborn, or out to eat 2. One other night a week where Mom tries to get all 4 kids + herself dinner and voila! We sit, eat, chat, etc.

Number 2 hasn’t happened as much as I’d like it to, but I’ve given myself a pass on the whole family meal idea because it just does NOT work for my family right now to all sit down and sing kumbaya at 6pm at the dinner table. I’m also pretty sure my dining room table has now because a place to fold laundry, do math homework, and yes, make slime.

The "Snack Plate" for Dinner concept is one that my family has been using to keep things fresh, easy, and customizable for every person in the family. Find out my technique below! — Yes, I like animal print. And yes, sometimes we eat in front of the tv. Especially when there’s a game on!

Anyhow, the point of this post is to just say hey, we eat a lot of snack plates for dinner around here. And here’s why: they are a gamechanger for busy families. In fact, a snack plate can be a fantastic dinner idea for busy families for several reasons:

Convenience: Busy families often have limited time for meal preparation. A snack plate requires minimal cooking or assembly, making it a quick and convenient option. You can simply gather a variety of nutritious snacks and place them on a plate, eliminating the need for extensive cooking or meal planning.
Customization: Each family member can customize their snack plate according to their preferences and dietary needs. This flexibility allows everyone to choose from a variety of foods they enjoy, ensuring greater satisfaction and reducing the chances of picky eating or mealtime battles.
Nutritional Variety: Snack plates can offer a wide range of nutritious options from different food groups. You can include fruits, vegetables, whole grain crackers, cheese, nuts, hummus, yogurt, lean proteins, and other healthy snacks. This variety ensures that your family gets a mix of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in one meal.
Balanced Nutrition: By incorporating different food groups, a snack plate can provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. This balance helps to keep energy levels stable, promotes satiety, and supports overall health and well-being.
Easy Cleanup: Snack plates often require fewer dishes and utensils, leading to quicker cleanup. This can be a big time-saver for busy families who want to spend less time on washing dishes and more time on other activities or spending quality time together.
Portion Control: Snack plates can help promote portion control by offering a variety of smaller portions rather than a single large serving. This can be particularly beneficial for weight management and promoting mindful eating habits.
Family Bonding: Snack plates encourage a relaxed and casual dining experience. Sharing a snack plate with family members allows for conversation, interaction, and bonding time. It creates a more laid-back atmosphere where everyone can engage and enjoy each other’s company.

While snack plates can be a convenient option for dinner, it’s important to ensure that they still provide a good balance of nutrients and meet your family’s dietary requirements. Include a variety of wholesome foods, limit processed or unhealthy options, and aim for a combination of flavors and textures to make the snack plate satisfying and enjoyable.

Need a little snack plate cheat-sheet? Got ya covered!