Return to the Table logo banner Dinner with Caterina

Verrines

IMG 7544

When you want a serving idea that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, you'll love using verrines. The beauty of these little cups is the ease of serving and versatility — the possibilities for fillings are endless, both sweet and savory.

All you need are your verrines and a few delicious ideas. You can find verrines in a variety of sizes and shapes (with mini spoons and forks included) on , in home goods stores, discount shops, and restaurant supply stores. I like to keep an assortment on hand so I'm ready whenever I host or need to bring a dish to a party.

Once you have your verrines, it's time to decide what to make! Think about your favorite recipes and how they might work in verrines. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Verrines come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s part of their practicality. For desserts, I often reach for the 2-ounce cups — just the right amount for a sweet taste (but you can always have two! ). The 2-ounce size also works beautifully for chilled soups, tapenades, and other savory starters. I often use a four-ounce size for savory “main dishes”.They offer a satisfying portion while still leaving room to enjoy a few verrines.

Almost anything that can be served at room temperature or chilled works beautifully in a verrine. Once in France, I had one filled with small cubes of roast lamb, topped with a dollop of aioli and a sprig of rosemary — absolutely delightful. (Lamb served tiède, or warm, is wonderful this way.)

I also love using verrines for desserts. The portion size is just right, and they give everyone the chance to enjoy a little taste — of maybe even something new. Verrines are an exciting alternative to prepared party foods and a fun theme for your party.

Just imagine how much fun you'll have preparing them with fresh ingredients for your next party or apéritif.

Some dessert ideas:

IMG 2593 1
Chocolate Pots de Crème in 4-ounce verrines.
IMG 9850
Panna cotta with raspberry coulis, and raspberries in 2-ounce verrines

Savory Ideas

IMG 7140
Grape tomatoes and mozzarella with olive oil, Celtic salt, and pepper
IMG 7132
Simple grapes and aged Gouda — a delightful combination
IMG 8349
Whipped avocado and Parmesan cracker in 4-ounce verrines
IMG 5997
Tomato and cucumber gazpacho in 2-ounce verrines
IMG 7512
Chilled carrot soup with fresh cream in 2-ounce verrines

Chilled tomato soup is also lovely in verrines.

Roasted tomato soup with basil healthy family dinner
Tomato soup
ratatouille in verrines 1
Ratatouille in 4-ounce verrines. Easy Ratatouille is great too!
verrines filled with cauliflower tapenade topped with and oregano and lemongrass
Carrot and cauliflower tapenade in 2-ounce verrines
IMG 7488
Roasted beets whipped with goat cheese, fresh cream, and chives

What will you put in your verrines? Your favorite caprese salad, guacamole, or dessert?

You also might enjoy this little twist on verrines:

IMG 4421 scaled 1
Carrot flan with asparagus sauce

You can also have a lot of fun serving up these little spoons.

Ciao for now!
Caterina-Signature

Success Stories

  • Now I Have Great Kitchen Intuition!

    "Finding you [has] truly inspired me to cook more and focus on quality ingredients. Strengthening my kitchen intuition has been key, it's how I know to roll leftovers into something new or I can see what I bought and come up with creative solutions.

    As a family, we always valued sitting down together for dinner but now it's done with so much less stress. I can be done with work and still make easy meals . . . amazing quality meals that are thrown together in a short time and we get to enjoy each other!"

    1 2 3 5
  • My Family is Closer Than Ever

    “Your suggestions are so priceless! Thank you for such valuable content. My family is closer than ever, thanks to you!”

  • BRAVO! I'm in!

    “[Caterina is], in 5 steps, hitting all the major points of what works in generational connection across all cultures. Families don’t just happen, they are grown and this is the sweet and lasting way to do that. Bravo and I’m IN!”

  • A Real Game Changer

    "We have made a lot of progress over here under your care. We are now all eating from the same “pot” which I was surprised how much my kids loved. They were so excited when I put the food in the middle of the table. They asked for it the next day, Can we do that special fancy dinner thing where we have a feast? It really is such a better ritual—passing the food around and all sharing from the same platter, a real game changer."

  • Accidental Weight Loss!

    “I don't know if I told you, but I accidentally lost about 8 lbs after cutting out most semi-processed foods!"

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram