Burlap & Lace Platter (Printable format)

Hearty meats paired with thinly shaved cheeses and savory accents on a rustic board.

# List of ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 4.2 oz smoked beef, thickly sliced or hand-torn
02 - 4.2 oz rustic country ham, roughly chopped
03 - 4.2 oz smoked sausage, thick-cut rounds or wedges

→ Cheeses

04 - 2.1 oz Parmigiano Reggiano, thinly shaved
05 - 2.1 oz aged Manchego, thinly shaved
06 - 2.1 oz Gruyère, thinly shaved

→ Accompaniments

07 - 1 small handful cornichons
08 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 tbsp grainy mustard
10 - 1 small bunch fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
11 - 1 rustic country loaf or crusty baguette, sliced (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Place the rough-cut smoked beef, country ham, and smoked sausage in overlapping layers or rustic mounds on a large wooden board or platter.
02 - Using a vegetable peeler or cheese plane, shave Parmigiano Reggiano, Manchego, and Gruyère into thin, translucent ribbons. Drape these artfully over and beside the meats.
03 - Distribute cornichons, sliced red onion, and small dollops of grainy mustard around the platter to complement the meats and cheeses.
04 - Decorate with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to provide aroma and visual appeal.
05 - Present immediately and offer sliced rustic bread or baguette on the side if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Zero cooking means you can pull it together while guests are still on their way, leaving you calm instead of frantic.
  • The contrast between rough, meaty textures and delicate cheese shavings feels luxurious without pretense.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and adapts beautifully to dietary needs without anyone noticing the accommodations.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—pull your meats and cheeses from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving so the cheese shavings stay pliable and the meats release their full flavor instead of tasting muffled and cold.
  • A truly sharp cheese plane or vegetable peeler is non-negotiable; a dull blade will shred your cheese instead of shaving it, and that's the difference between looking intentional and looking rushed.
03 -
  • If you want extra richness, add a small bowl of soft cheese (like a creamy Brie or goat cheese) so guests can spread it on bread alongside the harder cheeses.
  • Toast your walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them; raw nuts can taste hollow compared to the developed flavors of everything else on the board.
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