Medusa Curls Party Platter (Printable)

Striking party platter with creamy dip center, rolled meats, and vibrant curly-cut peppers for impressive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Central Dip

01 - 1 cup whipped 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

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine whipped cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a large serving platter and shape into a mound to form the central dip.
02 - Cut bell peppers into long, thin strips. For extra curl, use a julienne peeler or spiralizer on the peppers and cucumber.
03 - Roll each slice of prosciutto and salami into loose curls or spirals.
04 - Place meat and vegetable strips radiating outward from the dip mound, alternating colors and types to resemble snakes.
05 - Position a black olive at the tip of each curl to mimic snake heads.
06 - Decorate around the platter with dill or parsley sprigs. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes.
07 - Serve immediately accompanied by crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable dippers.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that requires zero cooking skills, just a little patience and a sharp eye for color.
  • You can prep it 30 minutes ahead, slip it in the fridge, and bring it out when guests arrive feeling completely composed.
  • The creamy dip paired with salty, curled meats and fresh vegetables hits every flavor note without anyone noticing how simple it really is.
02 -
  • Don't slice your meats until right before assembly, or they'll dry out and lose that delicate texture that makes them curl so beautifully.
  • If your peppers are too soft or your cucumbers are watery, the curls won't hold their shape; choose firm ones and don't prep them too far ahead.
03 -
  • Invest five minutes in a really sharp knife or a good spiralizer; the difference between ragged cuts and clean, elegant curls changes everything about how this platter lands.
  • Set your platter on a slight angle using a folded dish towel underneath; it photographs better and gives the whole thing a sense of intentional design.
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