Compass Rose Four Meats (Printable Version)

Elegant platter showcasing four meats with a creamy center dip and garnishes—ideal for gatherings.

# The Ingredients You'll 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 - 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (cornichons, pearl onions)
11 - 1/2 cup assorted olives
12 - Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) for garnish
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan smoked salmon above the dip, pointing upward (North).
03 - Place sliced chorizo below the dip, pointing downward (South).
04 - Lay prosciutto to the right of the dip, pointing right (East).
05 - Arrange roast beef to the left of the dip, pointing left (West).
06 - Fill spaces between the meats with pickled vegetables and assorted olives.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs for visual appeal and aroma.
08 - Offer crackers or baguette slices alongside if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It solves the eternal problem of appetizers when your guests can't agree on anything.
  • The visual drama of four meats arranged in a compass shape does the entertaining work for you.
  • You're essentially serving a charcuterie board that actually tells a story instead of just existing on wood.
02 -
  • The dip's consistency is everything—if cream cheese is cold, it'll break when you mix it and you'll end up with grainy dip instead of silky; let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes before you start.
  • Arrange the platter no more than two hours before serving or the meats will start to look tired and the herbs will wilt; you can prep everything ahead and assemble it just before guests arrive.
03 -
  • Ask your deli counter to slice everything paper-thin and to keep the slices stacked so you can arrange them without them falling apart.
  • The meats should be at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so their flavors are bright and the textures are tender instead of stiff from the cold.
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