Compass Rose Four Meats (Printable version)

An elegant platter showcasing four meats arranged in a compass shape with a creamy dip and fresh garnishes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon
02 - 3.5 oz sliced spicy chorizo
03 - 3.5 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
04 - 3.5 oz thinly sliced roast beef

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer to a small serving dish and place at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan the smoked salmon above the dip, pointing upward (north).
03 - Place chorizo slices 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 the spaces between the meat points with pickled vegetables and olives.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs to add color and aroma.
08 - Offer crackers or sliced baguette alongside, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks effortlessly elegant while requiring almost no actual cooking—just assembly and arrangement.
  • You get to taste four completely different meats and textures in one bite, making it feel like travel on a plate.
  • The creamy dip at the center ties everything together and gives your guests permission to dip, wrap, and experiment.
02 -
  • Arrange everything on a cold platter if you have time—meats stay fresher longer, and the dip stays creamy instead of separating at the edges.
  • Don't slice or arrange anything more than 30 minutes before guests arrive; cured meats dry out faster than you think, and the whole thing loses its shimmer.
03 -
  • Buy everything already sliced from the deli counter—it saves time and means you spend your energy on arrangement, which is where the magic actually lives.
  • Use a large platter with space around the edges; cramped platters look rushed, but generous spacing makes this look like the showstopping appetizer it really is.
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