Restaurants Are Taking Your Favorite Item off the Menu

An all-fourth dimension staple is being removed from menus beyond the country. Find out what it is and why it's and then hard to gild these days.

Photo: Shutterstock / CREATISTA

"Are you kidding? No mode! Why did they take that off the bill of fare?"

If you're anything like me, you've uttered those words—nigh likely to a college-aged server who has little to no regard for the feeling of despair settling in your stomach. It's true, my friends. The bill of fare staple that turned any meal into a party…the item that everyone at the table eagerly anticipated…the granddad of all things deep-fried is becoming extinct. I'thousand talking, of course, about the appetizer sampler platter.

The Reason Sampler Platters Are Going Extinct

"We took our sampler off the bill of fare at many locations because it became a bottleneck for the kitchen," says Brandon Wright, co-possessor of Hamburger Mary's International. "Some of the items on the platter had different cooking times, which took a lot of attempt to coordinate. This oftentimes resulted in longer ticket times." Chef Erik Mahr of Edgewater Supper Club-Pewaukee Lake agrees. "The added stress on the kitchen staff was my main reason for not including sampler platters on our menu," explains the Wisconsin chef. "Additionally, the platters tend to lower overall titbit sales."

Profit is another reason these favorites are headed the manner of the dinosaur. While visiting a steakhouse recently, I asked my server why the appetizer platter was missing from the menu. "They can't effigy out to how to make money on them," she said. "People kept ordering the platters, just the house was losing money on them." It's clear that it can be hard to offering a decent multifariousness of appetizers on one plate without charging customers the proverbial arm and leg.

Here'southward What to Order Instead

Are folks craving the return of the platter? "Nosotros haven't gotten many complaints as we withal have a lot of appetizer options," adds Wright. "Large parties order multiple items and share them. We can chop-chop bring our guests nifty nutrient at a dandy price. It'due south a win-win."

I, for one, volition miss my buddy the sampler platter. Always there to kick off a coincidental meal, a abiding companion during football game-watching flavour and a no-neglect solution when picky eaters rain on my parade, the titbit sampler platter will remain dear to my center (and stomach). Balance in deep-fried peace, my friend, rest in deep-fried peace.

Try Our Easy Appetizer Recipes

Fontina Asparagus Tart

This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It's a snap to make but looks really impressive. Exist brash…your guests volition be vying for the final tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Thou Rapids, Michigan

Become Recipe Check out these Crock-Pot dips, too!

Fruit Charcuterie Board

Who says cheese and sausage go to take all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with any that are in season. —Taste of Dwelling Test Kitchen

Teriyaki Pineapple Meatballs

These teriyaki pineapple meatballs appetizer inverse and so many times because of my family'south suggestions that information technology eventually became a main course. I think the homemade sauce sets these meatballs autonomously. —Evette Nowicki, Oak Harbor, Washington

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes fifty-fifty improve if you make it the night before and arctic information technology in the fridge earlier baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

Cucumber Canapes

I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, S Plymouth, Massachusetts

Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Coating

For New Year's, I used to make pigs in a coating with beef and cheddar. Merely now I similar apple and Gouda for an fifty-fifty better flavor commemoration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Celebrating a milestone? Observe our best retirement party food ideas.

Mexican Fiesta Platter

This recipe proves you don't need to fuss to prepare an appetizer for a crowd. With generous layers of beef, rice, corn chips and cheese, it'south a nacho lover'southward dream!—Ann Nace, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Party Pesto Pinwheels

I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these succulent hors d'oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come up together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York

Barbecued Meatballs

Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that brand these meatballs and then fantastic. If I'm serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them correct before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Baked Crab Dip

We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You lot can fifty-fifty make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the breadstuff bowl early on in the mean solar day and spooky information technology until serving. Just remove information technology from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri

This like shooting fish in a barrel and elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion, as are these anniversary food ideas.

Sausage Mushroom Appetizers

These stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them expert. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, Southward Dakota

Southwest Egg Rolls

Moderately crispy with a rich and creamy filling, these semi-spicy appetizers gustation like they've been fried. —Danielle Booth, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aussie Sausage Rolls

I was born and raised in Australia, simply moved to the U.S. when I got married. When I long for some Australian recipes, I broil upwardly a batch of this sausage roll recipe and share them with neighbors or co-workers. —Melissa Landon, Port Charlotte, Florida

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Craven Dip

If y'all like spice, yous'll love this tedious-cooker Buffalo chicken dip. Information technology's super cheesy, full of rich flavor and actually has that Buffalo wing sense of taste! —Gustation of Abode Test Kitchen

Veggie Ranch Tortilla Pinwheels

These terrific bite-size appetizers are always a hit wherever I accept them. They're easy to make alee of time, and are a corking add-on to other party fare! —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin

Italian Meatball Buns

These soft lilliputian rolls come with a surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. They're wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, making them fun for my grandkids—and adults, too. I dearest how like shooting fish in a barrel they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, S Carolina

Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

For a alter from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, endeavor this baked crostini recipe. If you similar, piece the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cutting. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida

By the way, this gorgeous app pairs perfectly with our other conjugal shower food ideas.

Avocado Salsa

I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or swallow information technology on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log

When you say "holiday tradition" around our firm, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I brand lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I'm expecting company or demand to have food to someone'south home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili pulverisation, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don't like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp

Cooked shrimp become something more extraordinary when blimp with blue cheese. The mild flavor has mass appeal.—Amy Dollimount, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia

Party Franks

These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I set them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're user-friendly to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and so reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

Southwestern Bean Dip

Just by using unlike types of beans, you lot tin brand this dip as spicy as you lot like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. —Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas

Ham Assurance with Brown Sugar Coat

These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I similar setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania

Hot Collards and Artichoke Dip

Anyone can pull off spinach and artichoke dip—so brighten it up using collard greens for a southern twist. Serve this dish with warm garlic naan or tortilla chips. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms

Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crisis. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Spousal relationship City, Michigan

High german Beer Cheese Spread

We dear recipes inspired by our High german heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Cull your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Tortellini & Shrimp Skewers with Dominicus-Dried Tomato plant Sauce

These fresh skewers and tasty sauce volition have guests nibbling all dark! —Cacie Biddle, Bridgeport, Due west Virginia

Pepperoni Pizza Spread

Loaded with popular pizza ingredients, this cheesy concoction is wonderful on crackers of all kinds. —Connie Milinovich, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Beer Dip

Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating one time you've started! The beer cheese dip tin can be fabricated with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

I first tried these bubbly treats at my sis-in-police'due south house. The tender mushroom caps and flossy filling were so fabled that I had to get the recipe. It'southward hard to believe how unproblematic, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas Metropolis, Missouri

Political party Shrimp

The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp then flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Fifty-fifty those who claim they don't like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Roasted Vegetable Dip

While my children were ever very willing eaters, I came up with this recipe to get them to eat more veggies and enjoy it. The dip doesn't last long in our house. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

Dilly Veggie Pizza

Always pop at special events and a cinch to prep, this is i of my favorite means to use leftover veggies. You lot tin can alter the mixture to friction match your kids' tastes, and information technology'due south just equally yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio

Give these rye bread pizzas a try next fourth dimension!

Chickaritos

This recipe is one I created, substituting craven for beef and omitting the frying, when our son grew fond of a fast-food eating house's "junior burritos." They've been a big hit with our whole family e'er since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip

This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavour of Buffalo chicken wings. Using canned craven eases preparation. —Allyson DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania

Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

As well being tasty, these little tomato poppers are actress awesome because you can brand them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada

Tangy Charcoal-broil Wings

I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished earlier I fifty-fifty got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri

Ravioli Titbit Pops

Ravioli on a stick is a tasty appetizer anybody talks about. They're elementary and fun to brand and eat. Use packaged dipping sauces, or brand your own. Become my recipes on my blog, thehopelesshousewife.com. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

Hot Crab Pinwheels

I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me nearly is that my married man, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia

Warm Broccoli Cheese Dip

When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its aught from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia

Apricot Wraps

I accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering appetizer is 1 of our favorites, and we savor sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio

Spinach-Artichoke Blimp Mushrooms

I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an unabridged buffet past myself. It's an impressive party titbit yet goes together so hands. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah

Chili con Queso

Years agone, my hubby invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I accept to say it's excellent. If you like estrus, rev information technology upwards with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New United mexican states

Swiss Mushroom Loaf

I'm always prepared for recipe requests when I serve this outstanding stuffed loaf. It'southward first-class non only as an appetizer just also equally a side for pasta or chili. —Heidi Mellon, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Sesame Omelet Spinach Spirals

These pretty spirals would exist perfect for a buffet of international hors d'oeuvres. They remind me of sushi. The dipping sauce is an exotic accompaniment to this fun finger food.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

With their cranberry dipping sauce, these no-fuss titbit meatballs make use of traditional Thanksgiving ingredients, so they're platonic around the holiday or anytime you're peckish those favorite seasonal tastes.—Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas

Cheesy Beefiness Taco Dip

Try this recipe for a warm, hearty snack with a bit of a kick. It's a hit with my family unit, and guests rave well-nigh it, also. Ideal for parties, it makes a large potful. The only "utensil" you'll need to serve information technology with is a brimming bowl of tortilla chips. —Carol Smith, Sanford, Due north Carolina

Fiesta Pinwheels

Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in i bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Dark-brown Deer, Wisconsin

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for vacation dinners, too. Everyone likes the flavorful improver of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma

Hot Cheese Dip

When a colleague brought this cheesy dip to school for a teachers potluck, I immediately gave it an A+. I had to have the recipe for this irresistibly flossy recipe to brand for my family! —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin

Party Appetizer Meatballs

These are a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is easy, and the meatballs tin can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I call up what makes them gustation so skilful is the sauce. —Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario

Creamy Sourdough Snack

This bread bowl dip was a big striking at my mom's 50th birthday party! —Darelyn Payes, Hayward, California

Tomato-Onion Phyllo Pizza

With a delicate crust and lots of lovely tomatoes on top, this dish is a special i to serve to guests. I make it oft when fresh garden tomatoes are in flavor. Information technology freezes well unbaked, so I also keep one on hand to pop in the oven for a quick dinner.—Neta Cohen, Bedford, Virginia

Paddy's Reuben Dip

This deadening-cooked spread tastes just similar the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end upwardly with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota

Cranberry Meatballs

Lots of people have asked me for this recipe, but I knew I had a real winner when my grandmother asked me for information technology! —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa

Titbit Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people inquire me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced simply earlier serving, leaving you time for other last-infinitesimal political party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellowish Springs, Ohio

Hot Pizza Dip

You can get together this effortless titbit in a jiffy. The pizza-flavored dip goes very fast, and so you may want to make 2 batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York

Appetizer Blue Cheese Logs

Iii kinds of cheese and some back-scratch powder brand this cheese log a piddling more lively than most. Swipe it on your favorite cracker with a drizzle of dear for a sensational snack. —Ethel Johnson, North Saanich, British Columbia

Polynesian Meatballs

With pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people dorsum for seconds. —Ballad Wakley, Due north East, Pennsylvania

Nacho Salsa Dip

This zesty dip is swell for any go-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always take requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Emerge Hull, Homestead, Florida

Ginger Pork Lettuce Wraps

When I make Asian-spiced lettuce wraps with lean footing pork, I remind my family they're meant to be an appetizer—but perchance I should just call it supper. —Mary Kisinger, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches

Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You've got it—and yous need merely five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania

Texas Taco Dip Platter

When I'k entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Immature, Weatherford, Texas

Classic Swedish Meatballs

I'chiliad a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It'due south obviously a 20th century version of a 19th century favorite, since back then they didn't accept bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I call up y'all'll hold that these mod-solar day "Kottbullar" are very tasty. —Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa

Polynesian Kabobs

With their explosion of flavors and textures, these kabobs brand a quick, satisfying entree. —Chris Anderson, Morton, Illinois.

Sweetness & Spicy Craven Wings

The meat literally falls off the bones of these wings! Spice lovers volition get a kick out of the big sprinkling of red pepper flakes. —Sue Bayless, Prior Lake, Minnesota

Polenta Mushroom Appetizers

Elementary ingredients—in fact you probably take virtually if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer.—Meta West, Abilene, Kansas

Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese Bites

In this vegetarian Buffalo-style appetizer, macaroni and cheese go heated upwardly with Louisiana-style hot sauce, then breaded and broiled. These tasty nibbles are served with blue cheese dressing. —Ann Donnay, Milton, Massachusetts

Blackness Forest Ham Roll-Ups

We love to entertain at abode and the office. Ham and cheese rolled in tortillas make a quick and like shooting fish in a barrel appetizer that's easy to transport. —Susan Zugehoer, Hebron, Kentucky

Sicilian Nachos

Crispy bread replaces the classic tortilla chips and savory meat sauce tops things off. This hearty appetizer easily doubles as a chief dish. Add a salad and you have dinner. —Sonya Labbe, Due west Hollywood, California

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/heres-restaurants-taking-favorite-item-off-menu/

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