Budget Friendly Family Spread (Print View)

An inviting spread featuring sliced meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and crisp crackers for easy sharing.

# Components:

→ 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, cut 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 - ½ cup green olives
15 - ½ cup pickles

# Directions:

01 - Place sliced ham, turkey, and salami in generous piles at separate corners of a large serving platter or tray.
02 - Fan out sliced cheddar and Swiss cheese next to the meats for easy selection.
03 - Arrange carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper slices, and cherry tomatoes in sizable heaps around the platter, grouping similar vegetables together.
04 - Place cream cheese, hummus, green olives, and pickles each in small bowls and distribute them evenly on the platter.
05 - Stack assorted crackers and sliced baguette in abundant mounds, ensuring easy access from all sides.
06 - Present immediately, replenishing items as needed for larger gatherings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero cooking means zero stress—you can focus on setting a beautiful table and greeting your guests
  • The price per person is ridiculously low, but nobody will know it cost half what a restaurant appetizer would
  • Everyone finds something they love, from meat lovers to vegetable enthusiasts to cheese devotees
  • It looks abundant and generous, which makes people feel welcomed and celebrated
02 -
  • Slice your vegetables just before serving—anything cut too far in advance will lose its crispness and won't have that satisfying snap people crave
  • Arrange on the largest platter you own; it's tempting to overcrowd a smaller one, but generosity and breathing room are what make this look elegant rather than cramped
  • Let the cream cheese, meats, and cheeses sit out for about thirty minutes before serving so all the flavors are at their best—cold cheese doesn't taste like much
  • Hummus separates slightly, so give it a quick stir before serving and maybe drizzle a little olive oil on top for visual appeal and better flavor
03 -
  • Buy your meats and cheeses from the deli counter, freshly sliced—not the pre-packaged version—for better flavor and appearance, and ask them to slice things a little thicker than standard
  • Keep a damp paper towel nearby while arranging—it's amazing for your fingers when you're handling slippery meats and cheeses, and you can wipe your hands without leaving the kitchen
  • If you're making this ahead, arrange everything except the vegetables, then add those thirty minutes before serving for maximum crispness and color vibrancy
Return