Medusa Curls Party Platter (Printer version)

A visually dramatic platter with creamy dip and colorful curls of meats and peppers for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Central Dip

01 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - Salt to taste

→ Curls

08 - 6 ounces prosciutto or deli ham, thinly sliced
09 - 6 ounces Genoa salami, thinly sliced
10 - 1 large red bell pepper
11 - 1 large yellow bell pepper
12 - 1 large green bell pepper
13 - 1 small English cucumber
14 - 1/2 cup pitted black olives

→ Garnishes (optional)

15 - Fresh dill or parsley sprigs
16 - Crushed red pepper flakes

# Directions:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth. Shape the mixture into a mound on the center of a large serving platter.
02 - Cut bell peppers into long thin strips. For added curl, use a julienne peeler or spiralizer on the peppers and cucumber.
03 - Roll each slice of prosciutto and salami loosely into spirals or curls.
04 - Place the rolled meats and vegetable strips radiating outward from the dip mound, alternating colors and types to mimic serpentine shapes.
05 - Position a pitted black olive at the tip of each meat or vegetable curl to represent snake heads.
06 - Decorate the surrounding area with fresh dill or parsley. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the arrangement for added visual and flavor interest.
07 - Present immediately with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable dippers on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that requires zero cooking skills, just assembly and imagination.
  • You can prep everything ahead and build it minutes before guests arrive, which feels like magic.
  • The combination of creamy, salty, and fresh flavors works every time, even with last-minute ingredient swaps.
02 -
  • Soften your cream cheese completely before mixing; it's the difference between a silky dip and one with frustrating little chunks.
  • Assemble this platter no more than thirty minutes before serving; the vegetables release moisture over time and the meats can become limp if they sit too long.
  • Use a large, shallow platter so everything spirals out visually; a small or deep plate crushes the drama.
03 -
  • Chill your platter in the freezer for five minutes before assembling so the dip stays firm and centered throughout serving.
  • Cut vegetables just before assembly; once exposed to air, they begin to dull, and the visual impact fades.
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