Any time I'm entertaining a crowd or attending a potluck, I'm always trying to create a veggie platter that's enticing enough for guests to actually want to eat instead of just going straight to the jalapeño poppers. I've attempted veggie boards with crackers and dips. I've tried fancy chopping techniques to make them more eye-catching. I've even tried making simple hors d'oeuvres that combine vegetables with richer-tasting ingredients like puff pastry or artisan cheeses. But without fail, I'm still left with veggies coming out of my ears. However, in my quest to have guests gravitate toward vegetables before they hit the pigs in a blanket, I'm going to combine all my failed attempts into one.
Crudités is a classic French appetizer comprised of raw vegetables that are elegantly chopped, assembled, and served with a few types of dipping sauces. This checks off a couple of boxes, but I'm still needing that rich-tasting element, and what's better than butter? A display of beautifully cut veggies that are actually individually dipped into melted butter and then sprinkled with salt brings out their natural flavors, looks beautiful, and is super easy to put together. Although dips will still be present, they may not even be needed!