Budget Family Spread (Printer View)

Simple and generous platter of meats, cheeses, veggies, and crackers for easy sharing.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 7 oz sliced cooked ham
02 - 7 oz sliced turkey breast
03 - 5.3 oz sliced salami

→ Cheeses

04 - 7 oz mild cheddar, sliced
05 - 5.3 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
06 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, for spreading

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 large carrots, sliced into sticks
08 - 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
09 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes

→ Crackers & Bread

11 - 14 oz assorted budget-friendly crackers
12 - 1 baguette, sliced

→ Extras

13 - 1 cup hummus
14 - 1/2 cup green olives
15 - 1/2 cup pickles

# Method:

01 - Place the sliced ham, turkey, and salami in generous piles at different corners of a large serving platter or tray.
02 - Fan out the sliced mild cheddar, Swiss cheese next to the meats for easy serving.
03 - Group and arrange the carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, red bell pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes in accessible heaps around the platter.
04 - Fill small bowls with cream cheese, hummus, green olives, and pickles; distribute them around the platter.
05 - Stack assorted crackers and sliced baguette in ample piles to ensure easy accessibility from all sides.
06 - Present immediately, replenishing items as needed to accommodate larger gatherings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that lets everyone build exactly what they want without you standing in the kitchen taking orders
  • Twenty minutes of prep means you're actually there to enjoy your guests instead of stressed in an apron
  • The variety feels abundant and special while staying deeply budget-conscious—nobody needs to know you weren't splurging
  • It adapts to whatever you have on hand, so it's less a recipe and more a philosophy
02 -
  • Cut your vegetables at least an hour before serving and store them in water in the fridge—they'll stay crisper and the condensation actually makes them look fresher on the platter
  • Bring the meats and cheeses out of the fridge about fifteen minutes before serving; they taste dramatically better at room temperature and are easier to grab without breaking
03 -
  • Scout your groceries before building—the sale items often dictate what becomes the star of your platter, and that's perfectly fine; in fact, that's how the best ones happen
  • Replenish throughout the gathering rather than trying to make the platter last untouched; people eat more confidently when they see you actively caring for it, and the constant small touches keep everything looking intentional
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