The ultimate 'Bring a Plate' collection

The communal nature of celebration lends itself so beautifully to that Kiwi concept – invited over for a meal and told to bring a plate. A gift-giving feast where everyone shares the load of the most arduous task – the cooking. While a fruit plate is always welcoming, we’ve gathered our favourite options with New Zealand beef and lamb to inspire you for future invites.

Sirloin on seed crackers with horseradish

A brilliant recipe that is less about cooking and more about assembly, something that can quickly and easily be done when you get to your hosts place. We love how it transforms a sirloin steak into a whole plate of tasty morsels.

Kebab pastry twists

These little twists are the ultimate plate for the party season. Lamb mince lightly flavoured with the classic Indian trio – ginger, coriander and chilli, they’re divine with a little bowl of mango chutney on the side for dunking.

Pulled beef sliders

If you love cooking ahead of time with mere last minute assembly, this is the plate for you. The beef can be cooked up to two days before hand and kept covered in the fridge until needed.

Spicy tomato meatballs

Not traditionally a ‘bring-a-plate’ plate but we promise few people will turn their noses up at a bowl of meatballs and grilled baguette or ciabatta for scooping. A pile of napkins on the side is a good idea too.

Cheeseburger skewers

Most people will have these ingredients in their fridge, it’s just about thinking outside the square. Smashed potatoes take the place of buns, mince is cut into little squares and burger sauce can be store bought, or even swapped for something you have on hand – tomato, barbecue, or even steak sauce.