Budget-Friendly Family Spread (Printable)

A generous platter of sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, and crackers for easy sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 7 oz sliced cooked ham
02 - 7 oz sliced turkey breast
03 - 5 oz sliced salami

→ Cheeses

04 - 7 oz mild cheddar, sliced
05 - 5 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Place sliced cooked ham, turkey breast, and salami in generous piles at separate corners on a large serving platter or tray.
02 - Fan out sliced mild cheddar, Swiss cheese, and provide cream cheese in a bowl next to the meats for easy filling.
03 - Group sliced carrots, cucumber rounds, red bell pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes into large accessible heaps around the platter.
04 - Place bowls of hummus, green olives, and pickles evenly around the platter for convenience.
05 - Stack assorted crackers and sliced baguette in plentiful heaps, ensuring easy reach from all sides of the platter.
06 - Present immediately and replenish items as needed when serving larger groups.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes with zero cooking required—perfect for when you want to entertain without stress
  • Everyone finds something they love, and the generous piles mean nobody feels like they're getting too little
  • It's a conversation starter; there's something about building your own bites that brings people together
02 -
  • Slice everything shortly before serving; pre-sliced meats and cheeses can dry out or get sticky if they sit too long, losing their appeal.
  • Keep your platter cool by setting it on a larger tray filled with ice underneath, especially during warm weather or long gatherings—this protects both the food and the presentation.
03 -
  • Buy your crackers and meats from budget stores or sales sections; quality doesn't require premium prices, just thoughtful selection
  • Arrange everything just before guests arrive for the crispest vegetables and the best visual impact; a platter that's been sitting gets tired-looking
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