5 Easy Garnishes to Elevate Your Dishes

Sometimes it’s the little touches that take a dish from good to unforgettable. A sprinkle of crunch, a drizzle of sweetness, or a delicate crisp can add layers of texture and flavour that really make your food shine. Here are five simple recipes you can use at home to elevate your cooking, each one designed to be quick, approachable and full of impact.

1. Hot Honey

Sweet with a little kick, hot honey is perfect drizzled over fried chicken, pizza, roasted vegetables or even cheese boards.

Ingredients

• 250 g honey

• 2 fresh red chillies, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Method

1. Place the honey and chillies into a small saucepan over low heat.

2. Gently warm for 5–10 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil.

3. Stir in the vinegar and allow to cool slightly.

4. Strain if you prefer it smooth, or leave the chilli slices in for extra heat and visual flair.

2. Spiced Almonds

These make a great garnish for salads, grazing boards, roasted meats or even just as a snack.

Ingredients

• 200 g raw almonds

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• ½ tsp sea salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced).

2. Toss the almonds with olive oil, spices and salt until well coated.

3. Spread evenly on a baking tray and roast for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

4. Allow to cool before using – they’ll crisp up as they cool.

3. Crispy Kale

A light, crunchy garnish that adds colour and texture to pastas, soups and meat dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, torn into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Sea salt, to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced).

2. Toss the kale with olive oil and salt until lightly coated.

3. Spread on a lined baking tray in a single layer.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp, turning once.

5. Allow to cool, they’ll become even crunchier out of the oven.

4. Olive Crumb

This salty, earthy crumb is fantastic sprinkled over fish, roasted vegetables or creamy dips.

Ingredients

• 150 g pitted Kalamata olives

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced).

2. Spread the olives on a lined baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until dried out.

3. Lightly blend the dried olives in a food processor until crumbly.

4. Store in an airtight container.

5. Artichoke Crisps

Delicate and nutty, these add a beautiful finishing touch to meats, pastas or risottos.

Ingredients

• 2 fresh artichokes (or jarred artichoke hearts, well drained)

• Olive oil, for brushing

• Sea salt

Method

1. If using fresh artichokes, trim to the tender hearts and slice very thinly (a mandolin works well).

2. Pat dry with paper towel.

3. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

4. Spread slices on a lined baking tray and bake at 160°C (fan-forced) for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

5. Allow to cool before using.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to make weeknight dinners a little more exciting, these garnishes are a simple way to add flavour, texture and visual appeal to your dishes. Keep them on hand and watch your meals come to life.