Budget Friendly Family Spread (Printable)

An inviting spread of sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, and crackers for easy gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Place sliced cooked ham, turkey breast, and salami in generous piles at different corners of a large serving platter.
02 - Layer mild cheddar, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese next to the meats, fanning slices for easy access.
03 - Group carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes in ample heaps around the platter, organizing similar items together.
04 - Fill small bowls with cream cheese, hummus, green olives, and pickles, distributing them evenly on the platter.
05 - Stack assorted crackers and sliced baguette in high-volume piles, positioning for easy reach from every side.
06 - Present immediately, replenishing cheeses, meats, and extras as needed for larger gatherings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, leaving you time to actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • The budget stays friendly while the platter looks abundant and generous—people always eat more when they can see everything
  • Everyone finds something they love, from the meat lovers to the vegetable snackers to the cheese enthusiasts
02 -
  • The secret to a platter that looks impressive is generous piles, not careful precision—abundance feels welcoming in a way that fussy arrangement never does
  • Everything except the tomatoes can be arranged 1-2 hours before serving and covered loosely with plastic wrap. This lesson came from a party where I prepared too early and the vegetables wilted. Now I add tomatoes at the last minute
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced meats and cheeses whenever possible—paying a little extra for convenience is worth the time saved and the cleaner presentation you'll achieve
  • Keep a damp paper towel nearby while assembling. Wiping your hands between handling different items prevents flavors from transferring and keeps the platter looking fresh
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