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An amazing food platter featuring a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers arranged aesthetically.

Classic Amazing Food Platter (Charcuterie & Easy Food Art)

Assemble an impressive classic food platter featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and more. This guide helps you create an attractive and delicious charcuterie board perfect for entertaining.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large wooden board (12x18 inches or larger)
  • Small ramekins
  • Cheese knives
  • Spreading knife
  • Small spoons

Ingredients
  

Cheeses

  • 4 oz Aged Cheddar, firm cheese
  • 4 oz Brie, soft cheese
  • 4 oz Manchego, semi-hard cheese

Cured Meats

  • 3 oz Salami, pre-sliced
  • 3 oz Prosciutto, thinly sliced

Crackers & Breads

  • Assorted crackers 1 box
  • 1/2 baguette, sliced

Fruits

  • 1 cup Red grapes
  • 1/2 cup Blackberries
  • 1/4 cup Dried apricots

Vegetables & Olives

  • 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes, mixed colors
  • 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives
  • 1/4 cup Cucumber slices

Dips & Spreads

  • 4 oz Hummus in a small ramekin
  • 2 oz Fig preserves in a small ramekin
  • 2 tbsp Honey, for drizzling

Nuts

  • 1/2 cup Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts)

Garnishes

  • Fresh rosemary 2 sprigs
  • Fresh thyme 2 sprigs

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Ensure your large wooden board (12x18 inches or larger) is clean and dry before starting.
  • Place two small ramekins on the board, one for hummus and one for fig preserves, to anchor your design.

Arranging the Main Components

  • Strategically arrange the three cheeses (Aged Cheddar, Brie, and Manchego) across the board with good spacing.
  • Artfully arrange the salami, folded in quarters or halves, next to a cheese, and drape the prosciutto in ribbons or bunches in another section.
  • Arrange assorted crackers in S-shapes or fanned patterns around the cheeses and ramekins, and place baguette slices in an easily accessible area.

Adding Color and Filling Gaps

  • Incorporate fresh fruits by arranging clusters of red grapes and blackberries near the cheeses, focusing on color contrast.
  • Fill any remaining empty spaces with dried apricots, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cucumber slices, creating small piles or lines for an abundant look.
  • Place the fig preserves ramekin and drizzle honey over a section of cheese or fruit to add sweetness.

Finishing Touches and Serving Tips

  • Tuck sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme into various spots on the platter to add vibrant color and fragrance.
  • Provide small cheese knives, a spreading knife, and small spoons for the hummus and olives.
  • For optimal flavor, allow cheeses and meats to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an even more appealing presentation, vary the textures and shapes of your arranged items. Don't be afraid to overlap ingredients slightly to create a sense of abundance.