Snacks. We love ‘em here at couch + cork. We’re sometimes really bad at remembering to eat so we keep nuts and other quick and easy treats on hand for survival (you do not want to be around any of us when we’re hangry. While grabbing a handful of nuts or eating a piece of fruit is perfect for peckishness, we also love a more substantial snack. If you’ve ever put together cheese and crackers and felt like it’s good but a little lacking, this is the post for you because we’re sharing the hands down best snacks hacks to up your game.

And Away we go!

1. Taste as you go. One of the biggest mistakes people make when they cook is not tasting their food as they go. This also applies to putting together a snack. Be sure to test out different components of your snack, and the amounts of each item, as you’re building it.

2. Elevate anything easily. The best snacks are simple, but it’s really easy to bump things up a little. For example, if you’re going to have a little bread with olive oil, sprinkle some dried or fresh herbs into the oil and let it sit while you’re slicing the bread. This is a quick and easy way to add some extra yum to even the simplest of snacks. You can also do this with honey, soft cheeses, butter or even maple syrup.

3. Contrast is key! There’s a reason everyone loves peanut butter and jelly. And salted caramel. And a grilled cheese with apple slices. And IcyHot 😅 When things are in contrast with each other, they keep our senses alert. This is why we love creamy cheese with crunchy crackers: it keeps our mouths guessing. Texture interplay works, but also keep this in mind with flavors. Sprinkle a little salt on fruit. Add red pepper flakes to chocolate or nuts. An unexpected pop of contrast is just what your palate craves. A little carbonated water, instead of tap, is another great way to offer contrast.

4. What grows together, goes together. While contrast is key (and an easy way to up your snack game), there’s also a great way to add flavors that will always work. And the trick is thinking about things from the same place. Slicing up tomatoes for a snack? Drizzle balsamic and some oregano (Italian inspiration!) to kick it up a notch. Enjoying olives or anchovies? These are grown and caught in the south of France, where thyme and lavender grow.

The perfect snack offers a little surpise on the palate, combines flavors, and is tested before served. Have fun experimenting and let us know your fav combos in the comments or on social!