I don’t know if relish trays are a Midwest thing or used to be a more old fashioned dish, but growing up there was always a relish tray on my Grandma’s holiday table. A little research tells me they were very popular in the 1920’s when supper clubs were a hit. With the change in times and the popularity of appetizers these days, relish trays are back and there are not really any rules on how to build a relish tray. In the “olden days” relish trays were generally served on a glass cut dish and very simple with cut carrots, celery, olives and pickles, maybe even a few radishes. But anymore, anything goes and the relish tray I know and love is a delish tray of assorted edibles you snack on before your meal and then move to the table while you are eating so you can continue to enjoy. A relish tray makes a great appetizer during the holidays. Serve it along with your big holiday meal or a soup supper. It is also great in the summertime to have out as an appetizer while you are grilling food. It offers variety and serves a crowd, you just can’t go wrong with a relish tray!
That’s part of the fun in the relish tray, gather up a bunch of your favorites and place them on a tray to enjoy.
When I create a relish tray I try to always include the following:
Olives (any variety…fancy marinated store bought or the old fashioned black olives my cousins and I would place on our fingers as a kid)
Pickles (any variety of your choosing. I usually like to include a dill and sweet pickle)
Cut Carrots and Celery
Cheeses (a few cheeses are great to add for variety too. As a throwback to the steak house in the town I grew up in a spreadable cheese is needed…or as we called it “cheese paste”)
Pineapple Chunks (A little something sweet on the tray)
I also like to have a basket or tray of crackers and possibly some fresh bread available next to the tray.
Other fun additions to consider on your relish tray:
Pickled Beets
Pickled Herring
Green Onions
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumber Slices
Banana Peppers
Sliced Red or Green Peppers
Radishes or Sliced Turnips
Additional cheese spreads or hummus
Looking for another fun and simple appetizer platter?
Try this Antipasto Platter
