These dough-based small plates are sure to please

Bar food is addictive. From chicken wings and mozzarella sticks to fried pickles, nachos and sliders, customers are looking for a prequel to their pizza main event.

Including bar bites on your menu can increase check averages and generate happy hour visits when marketed well. The classics have a proven track record that meet the demands of consumers, while fitting into a restaurant’s tight food and labor costs. But, it starts with a dynamite shareable plate.

Street Food goes dine-in

Mobile restaurants have elevated street food to another level, and brick-and-mortar spots are cashing in on the trend. Perfect as bar bite options, street foods are often hand-held and whet the appetite. Arancini and toasted ravioli are common street foods that have become menu sensations. Here are a few that you can make your own:

Great Bar Bite Options

Tacos.

Be sure to use the small street taco- or mini-sized shells. You can use traditional Mexican style or get creative with Southern or Korean BBQ, Jamaican jackfruit or Citrus fish.

Dumplings.

There are many styles of dumplings. The most common are Chinese potstickers and Japanese gyoza. Both use pork and cabbage with various herbs and spices.

Empanadas.

Easy to prep ahead and warm to order; experiment with fillings. Chicken and beef are typical. Try potatoes, mushrooms, chorizo or pulled pork.

Skewers.

These don’t have to be kebabs. Satays, Souvlaki and Tandoori are popular.

Elotes.

Traditionally grilled corn is smothered in mayo, grated cheese, chili powder and a squeeze of lime. This style has won over consumers so much that elotes-flavored products have exploded in retail groceries.

Just Dough It

Go with your strength: dough. Customers can’t get enough of your dough. Leverage your expertise with bar bites that speak to your talents. Think about doughy creations such as empanadas and pretzels. We’ll help you get started with a couple of recipes. Remember try several batches and add in your own upgrades and techniques. 

Classic Beef Empanada Recipe 

Here is a classic beef empanada recipe to experiment with. Pro Tip: You can add the beef filling as a specialty pizza topping.

>> Get the Classic Beef Empanada Recipe.

Soft Pretzel Recipe

A Bavarian specialty, soft pretzels are the perfect accompaniment to a pint of beer.

Try this soft pretzel recipe in baker’s percentage from the late Dough Doctor Tom Lehmann.

>> Get the Soft Pretzel Recipe.

Not sure what to serve with pretzels? A high-quality whole-grain, hot or spicy brown mustard works well. Beer cheese is also a go-to for pretzel dipping. Yes, even a dill pickle dip hits the spot with a pretzel.

Denise Greer is Executive Editor at Pizza Today.