We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Groaning Board?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 29,125
Share

As a popular and whimsical term for a buffet, the groaning board is a favorite option when it comes to food serving at family events, church suppers and in many family style restaurants. With a casual air and the promise of an ample amount of choices, these buffets allow easy access to all the food items as well as plates, utensils, and napkins.

Organizing a groaning board is usually accomplished by placing like items in the same section of the space. Cold salads and toppings are normally positioned at one end of the groaning bar, along with the choices of salad dressing. Next, any cut and fresh fruit is set in place, along with serving forks and spoons that make it possible to quickly spear or dip the cut fruit. Generally, this section of the groaning bar may include some type of cooling agent, such as a bed of ice underneath the serving containers. This helps the greens to remain crisp and fresh for the duration of the event, as well as keeping the fruit chilled to just the right temperature.

As the buffet items move on to foods that are served hot, an array of cooked vegetables usually appears next in the arrangement. Often, the host will provide a wide range of vegetables, taking care to mix the color and texture. In addition, care is usually taken to include plenty of green vegetables as well as starchy options, making it possible for persons who are watching their cholesterol and carbohydrate intake to still enjoy plenty of good food.

Following the hot vegetables, a selection of meats is usually available. Typically, a nicely arranged groaning board will feature options for both red and white meats, with some items fried, others baked or broiled. In an era when many people are attempting to choose healthy options at a buffet, it is not unusual to see more than one chicken and fish offering, along with at least one lean red meat. Generally, the meat and hot vegetable sections will include some sort of heating medium, in order to keep the selections warm. Oblong chafing dishes are not uncommon sights at a casual buffet.

Breads are usually found as part of the groaning board as well. In some cases, the breads are placed after the meats, while at other times, they may serve as a buffer between the cold and hot foods. Desserts, along with beverages, are usually placed away from the main groaning board. However, when the buffet is set up in the home, the desserts and beverages may be placed at one end of the board. This arrangement allows people to prepare their salad and dinner plates, set them down at a table setting, and return for a beverage or dessert.

Intended to help make serving food simple and easy, the groaning board is an ideal solution for casual dining where the idea is to allow guests to enjoy whatever foods they like, while avoiding any foods they should not consume.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By anon75604 — On Apr 07, 2010

How about smorgasbord.

By anon27650 — On Mar 03, 2009

I *get* what a groaning board is, but is there another term that can be substituted to make it sound more appealing? We sell packages to groups. Other than the boring "buffet".....

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-a-groaning-board.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.