Patchwork quilt colorful appetizer (Printer View)

A colorful platter combining meats, cheeses, and mustard lines for easy entertaining.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked turkey breast, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz ham, sliced

→ Cheeses

04 - 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar, sliced
06 - 3.5 oz provolone, sliced

→ Garnishes & Condiments

07 - 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
08 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Method:

01 - Cut all meats and cheeses into uniform 2-inch squares.
02 - On a large serving platter or board, alternate meats and cheeses in a checkerboard pattern to create a quilt-like effect.
03 - Using a squeeze bottle or piping bag, pipe alternating lines of whole grain and Dijon mustard between the squares to mimic thread.
04 - Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately with toothpicks or small forks for easy tasting.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did, which is the best kind of magic in entertaining.
  • Zero cooking involved means you can assemble it while talking to guests or listening to music, making it genuinely fun to prepare.
  • The flavor combinations are endlessly customizable, so you'll never make it the same way twice if you don't want to.
02 -
  • Pre-slice everything the morning of if you can—it keeps flavors fresher and means you can assemble in minutes once guests arrive.
  • The platter itself matters more than you'd think; a wooden board or slate background makes the colors pop in ways a white plate just won't.
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced meats and cheeses from a good deli counter—ask them to slice a little thicker than usual so your squares hold their shape better.
  • The mustard stays fresher and more vibrant if you apply it just before serving, so resist the urge to make this more than an hour or two ahead.
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