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A colorful platter of assorted cold appetizer finger foods arranged for easy serving.

Ultimate Cold Appetizer Finger Food Platter

A master formula for creating a stunning, customizable platter of cold appetizer finger foods. This guide provides a blueprint for balancing textures and flavors with make-ahead components like crostini, creamy spreads, and an array of fresh toppings. Perfect for effortless entertaining, it empowers you to assemble a vibrant, conversation-starting centerpiece for any gathering.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, International
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 box sturdy crackers e.g., water crackers, seeded flatbreads, rye crisps
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled optional
  • 8 oz log goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs chives, dill, thyme
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 oz hot-smoked salmon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Assorted Toppings: Prosciutto ribbons, smoked salmon slices, grilled shrimp, marinated white beans, cucumber ribbons, roasted red pepper strips, shaved radishes, microgreens, pea shoots, capers, sliced cornichons, Kalamata olives, pickled red onions
  • Finishers: Fresh dill, chives, or basil, flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • Large Serving Board or Platter
  • Airtight containers

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely. Optionally, rub warm crostini with a peeled garlic clove.
  2. Prepare Herbed Goat Cheese Spread: In a bowl, combine softened goat cheese, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and black pepper. Mix with a fork until well blended. Cover and chill.
  3. Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Ricotta Spread: In another bowl, stir together ricotta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cover and chill.
  4. Prepare Smoked Salmon Mousse: In a food processor, combine smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, dill, and lemon juice. Pulse until smooth and spreadable. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill. If too thick, loosen with a teaspoon of cold water or cream.
  5. Prepare all chosen toppings: Slice, chop, and arrange proteins, vegetables, and briny bits into small bowls. Cook any proteins like shrimp ahead of time. Drain and rinse items like beans or olives.
  6. Assemble the platter: Choose a large board or platter. Place bowls of spreads and toppings strategically around the board as anchors. Arrange the cooled crostini and crackers in stacks or fanned groups near complementary spreads.
  7. Fill empty spaces with piles of prosciutto, vegetable ribbons, and clusters of garnishes. Aim for an abundant, colorful, and inviting display.
  8. Apply final flourishes: Drizzle honey over goat cheese, sprinkle sea salt over vegetables, and garnish spreads with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

MAKE-AHEAD: Crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days. All spreads keep in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prep and store toppings separately; keep cut veggies crisp in containers lined with a damp paper towel. ASSEMBLY: Let chilled spreads soften slightly at room temp for easy spreading before serving. FLAVOR COMBINATIONS: Try classic pairings like Crostini + Herbed Goat Cheese + Prosciutto + Honey, or Cucumber Round + Sun-Dried Tomato Ricotta + Shaved Radish + Basil.