Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance; it’s about connection. When expectations are high, thoughtfully designed shareable menu items set the stage for a perfect encounter, inviting guests to linger, explore flavors together, and maybe even steal a bite off each other’s plates. Our shareable menu guide is filled with craveable recipes designed to spark connection, helping operators elevate the guest experience while saving valuable time in the back of house.
They say opposites attract, and it’s true for flavors, too. Tap into some sensory contrast with on-trend dips and spreads that enhance almost any appetizer on the menu: Add a little intrigue to a whipped garlicky feta dip with our tangy True Foundations® Harissa Sauce (served with grilled naan and veggies), or bring up the heat on hummus with True Foundations® Tikka Masala Sauce.
Help your guests connect over comfort food with a potato-based shareable dressed to impress: Top off crispy tots with True Foundations® Latin-Style Citrus Chili Sauce (finished with cheddar Jack cheese, sour cream, and frizzled onions) for a dish that’s equal parts playful and indulgent, or create your own signature sauce from a base of Custom Culinary® Chef's Own® Country Gravy Mix.
And remember: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples! Group outings, Galentine’s celebrations, and casual get-togethers all share the love — and platter-style shareables fit right in. A Salmon & Shrimp Board (featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Beurre Blanc Sauce and True Foundations® Harissa Sauce) offers a balanced mix of fresh and bold flavor accents. And for a familiar favorite with broad appeal, you’ll break no hearts with a classic nacho platter featuring our True Foundations® Latin-Style Citrus Chili Sauce and Chef’s Own® Instant Cheddar Cheese Sauce Mix.
Shareables aren’t just about what’s on the plate; they’re about the moments that happen around it. Custom Culinary® helps operators serve up crave-worthy shareables that bring guests together while keeping the kitchen running smoothly. The result? Menus worth falling for long after Valentine’s Day has passed.
ALTERNATIVES TO VALENTINE'S DAY, SUCH AS GALENTINE'S OR PALENTINE'S, ALSO SEE A STRONG PREFERENCE FOR DINING OUT, WITH 37% OF CONSUMERS OPTING FOR RESTAURANTS OR BARS.1
COMPARED TO TWO YEARS AGO, CONSUMERS ARE ORDERING APPETIZERS FROM FULL SERVICE RESTAURANTS 20% MORE OFTEN, AND SMALL PLATES FROM FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS 31% MORE OFTEN.2
SHAREABLE PLATTERS AND SMALL BITES HAVE SEEN RENEWED MENU MOMENTUM, WITH CONSUMERS GRAVITATING TOWARD COMMUNAL EXPERIENCES FOR NIGHTS OUT AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS.3
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Create bold, craveable shareable menu items with ease using Custom Culinary® products.
Chef's Own® Instant Cheddar Cheese Sauce Mix (1210) 
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True Foundations® Ready-To-Use Frozen Harissa Sauce (9678) 
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Gold Label Ready-To-Use Frozen Beurre Blanc Sauce (9663) 
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True Foundations® Ready-To-Use Frozen Tikka Masala Sauce (9681) 
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Custom Culinary® Latin-Style Citrus Chili Sauce (9667) 
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CHEF TALK
“Valentine’s Day is about bringing people closer together, and shareables naturally create that connection. And with Custom Culinary® ready-to-use sauces, you can deliver dishes that feel special while keeping kitchen prep simple.”
Daniel Diaz
Regional Corporate Chef, Southeast
ShareAbles Menu Inspiration
Throughout this guide, you’ll find recipe ideas for shareables that span a range of cuisine types, popular dishes and hot trends. To help you get even more mileage out of these menu concepts, you’ll also find tips for adding dipping sauces and toppings and ways to “plus up” speed scratch products with signature appeal.
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FEATURED RECIPES
These shareable menu items invite guests to linger, explore flavors together, and maybe even steal a bite off each other’s plates.
Farro Breakfast Pudding with Dates & Cardamon
Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Crème Anglaise Sauce
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Bacon Onion Marmalade & Goat Cheese Spread
Featuring Custom Culinary® Bacon Onion Marmalade
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Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Crostini
Featuring Custom Culinary® Chef's Own® Cream Soup Base
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Bourbon Date Hand Pies
Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Kentucky Bourbon Sauce and Crème Anglaise
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Marsala Shallot Jam Crostini
Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Marsala Sauce
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Harissa Glazed Stone Fruit with Fresh Burrata
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CREATING AN IRRESISTIBLE HAPPY HOUR
We're here to help you build your business and increase customer satisfaction with ideas, insights and inspiration. This kit is designed both for those who are new to the world of happy hours as well as those with existing promotions who would like exciting new ideas and support.
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SOURCES
1. Winter Trends 2025, 2025-09-30, Page 17
2. Technomic, “Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report,” 2023
3. Comfort Connotations (September 2021) Technomic September 2021 Page 20