Compass Rose Meat Platter (Print version)

A visually striking platter with four distinct meats and a creamy dip center, ideal for gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon
02 - 3.5 oz spicy chorizo, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
04 - 3.5 oz roast beef, thinly sliced

→ Central Dip

05 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tbsp sour cream
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes and Accompaniments

10 - ½ cup pickled vegetables (e.g., cornichons, pearl onions)
11 - ½ cup assorted olives
12 - Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill) for decoration
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and position at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan the smoked salmon slices above the dip, pointing upwards to represent north.
03 - Place sliced chorizo below the dip, pointing downwards to represent south.
04 - Lay the thinly sliced prosciutto to the right of the dip, pointing east.
05 - Arrange the roast beef slices to the left of the dip, pointing west.
06 - Distribute pickled vegetables and assorted olives in the spaces between the meat sections to add texture and flavor contrast.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs for visual appeal and aroma. Offer crackers or sliced baguette on the side if desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Your guests will actually pause and take photos before eating, which somehow makes the whole experience feel special.
  • Four completely different flavor profiles mean there's something for everyone without you having to make multiple dishes.
  • Everything is prepared ahead, so you're genuinely relaxed when people arrive instead of stressed in the kitchen.
  • It costs less than you'd think for something that looks restaurant-quality.
02 -
  • Slice everything as thin as you possibly can—thick slices look homemade in a bad way, but paper-thin slices look intentional and professional.
  • The cream cheese absolutely must be softened first, or you'll have chunks that won't blend, and your dip will look lumpy and rushed.
  • Taste the dip before serving and adjust seasoning—cream cheese hides flavors, so you often need more lemon juice and salt than you think you do.
03 -
  • Serve everything cold—there's something refreshing about this platter that gets lost the second things warm up, so keep your platter in the fridge until the last moment.
  • The thinner your meat slices, the more elegant and expensive the whole thing looks, so invest in a good sharp knife or ask the butcher to slice for you.
  • Arrange this platter no more than thirty minutes before serving, so the meats stay fresh and don't dry out sitting on the counter.
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