Compass Rose Four Meats (Printable)

An elegant platter with four meats surrounding a creamy dip, accented by pickled veggies and fresh herbs.

# What 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 decoration
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - In a bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper 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 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 spaces between meats with pickled vegetables and olives.
07 - Garnish platter with fresh herbs for color and aroma. Serve with crackers or baguette slices, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks impressive enough to make people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it's just 25 minutes of assembly and strategy.
  • Everyone finds their flavor—the smoky, the spicy, the delicate, the rich—all meeting in one creamy center that ties it all together.
  • You can prep everything ahead and arrange it 10 minutes before guests arrive, leaving you calm instead of frazzled.
02 -
  • The dip needs to be made at least 30 minutes before serving (or even the night before) so the flavors marry and the texture becomes impossibly creamy.
  • Arrange this platter no more than 30 minutes before guests arrive; the meats will start to lose their appeal if they sit too long, and the dip can separate if it gets too warm.
  • Every single guest will ask if you make this professionally—having a confident answer prepared (even if it's just "I learned by trial and error") makes the moment feel complete.
03 -
  • If you want to add extra depth, stir a tiny pinch of horseradish or a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard into the dip just before serving—it adds intrigue without overwhelming.
  • Buy your meats from a quality source where they slice to order; the difference between store-sliced and freshly sliced is the difference between good and unforgettable.
Return