Save A bold, show-stopping party platter inspired by rock concerts, featuring a medley of crowd-pleasing snacks, cheeses, cured meats, and crunchy bites arranged in the shape of a guitar for maximum visual impact.
I love creating themed platters and this rock star guitar platter never fails to impress my guests with its look and taste.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g aged cheddar, cubed, 150 g gouda, sliced, 100 g brie, cut into wedges
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, folded, 100 g salami, sliced, 100 g chorizo, sliced
- Crackers & Breads: 100 g breadsticks, 100 g assorted crackers
- Fresh Fruits: 1 bunch red grapes, 1 apple, sliced, 1 pear, sliced
- Vegetables & Pickles: 100 g cherry tomatoes, 1 small cucumber, sliced, 50 g pickled gherkins
- Nuts & Extras: 50 g roasted almonds, 50 g walnuts, 40 g dark chocolate pieces, 2 tbsp fig jam
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or platter, sketch a guitar shape lightly with a pencil on parchment paper as a guide, or use a guitar-shaped serving board if available.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheese cubes and wedges to form the body of the guitar.
- Step 3:
- Lay out cured meats around the cheese, shaping the pickguard and sound hole.
- Step 4:
- Place breadsticks in straight lines to mimic guitar strings.
- Step 5:
- Arrange crackers and breads along the neck of the guitar.
- Step 6:
- Add fruit slices and grapes to fill in any gaps, focusing on curves and edges.
- Step 7:
- Scatter cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and pickles artistically around the platter.
- Step 8:
- Add nuts and chocolate pieces in small clusters for variety.
- Step 9:
- Spoon fig jam into a small bowl and place on the platter.
- Step 10:
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a rock star touch.
- Step 11:
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to pick and mix their favorites.
Save This platter is always a hit at family gatherings, especially when kids get excited about the guitar shape and adults enjoy pairing flavors.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter and small bowls for spreads or jams are essential, along with cheese knives and a paring knife for precise slicing.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), nuts, and gluten (bread, crackers), along with cured meats (pork). Please check labels for potential allergens in crackers and processed meats.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 14 g.
Save Enjoy this visually stunning platter that delights both the eyes and the palate at any party.
Common recipe questions
- → How do I create the guitar shape for the platter?
Use a pencil to lightly sketch a guitar shape on parchment paper placed under the serving board, or arrange items directly in a guitar form using a shaped board for guidance.
- → Can the cured meats be substituted for vegetarian options?
Yes, replace cured meats with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu to maintain texture variety while accommodating vegetarian preferences.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Firm and creamy cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, and brie provide contrasting textures and flavors to complement the cured meats and fruits.
- → How can I add visual interest to the platter?
Use fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs and edible flowers as garnish to enhance both aroma and appearance with a natural, vibrant touch.
- → What pairing options enhance this spread?
Bold red wines and craft beers complement the diverse flavors, balancing the savory meats, creamy cheeses, and fresh fruit elements.
- → How long in advance can I prepare the platter?
Assemble shortly before serving to preserve freshness and crispness, especially for fresh fruits and crunchy crackers.