7 Party Platters in 20 Minutes (Or Less!)

One year, I had the absolute blast of judging a Chopped-style food competition over at the Nachum Segal Network. The energy was high, the talent was incredible, and the competition was neck-and-neck!

But the winner didn’t win because he labored over ten different dishes. He won because of one unique thing on his plate: pickled shallots. That was it! That one tiny, incredible component was what put him in the lead. And honestly, friends, that’s the “pro” secret I want to share with you. You don’t need to spend hours making every single item from scratch. If you use fresh, high-quality store-bought ingredients and focus your energy on one amazing homemade “star,” you’ll get rave reviews every time.

Here are 7 party platters you can throw together in about 20 minutes, each with that one special “wow” factor!

THE FRUIT PLATTER (The “Secret Sauce” Platter)

Instead of just a bowl of grapes, take stunning seasonal fruit and focus all your effort on a Two-Minute Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce. It’s a total game-changer!

To make it fun for the kids, set out some skewers and let everyone customize their own fruit kebobs.

MEXICAN PARTY PLATTER (The “Cheesy” Crowd-Pleaser)

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For this one, the emphasis is all on a homemade Jalapeño Cheese Sauce. (Is your stomach growling yet?) You can buy the guacamole and salsa to save time, but that warm, spicy cheese sauce will make the whole platter feel like a gourmet fiesta.

THAI PLATTER (The “Showstopper” Meat)

For a Thai-inspired spread, I like to focus on the protein! My Beef Larb with Crunchy Wonton Skins
 is a bit more unique and totally impressive. Pair it with some Summer Rolls and/or Satay, and you have a sophisticated “foodie” spread with a spicy kick..

DELI PLATTER (The “Quick & Easy” Classic)

Sometimes the simplest things are the biggest hits. For a deli-inspired party, I focus on succulent, Five-Minute Sausages-in-Blanks. It’s a nostalgic favorite that always disappears first.

CHEESE PARTY PLATTER (The “Sweet & Savory” Balance)

For the most successful cheese platter I have ever served, I focused on creating complementary dishes such as apple endive cups and homemade cranberry chutney.

Pro tip: serve your cheese platter on a blackboard tray and use chalk to label the different cheeses.  I also love sweet potato chips on the side. 

These next 3 platters focus more on presentation but they also have at least one special homemade treat. 

BAGEL AND LOX PLATTER (The “Gourmet” Brunch)

This platter is all about the presentation! The star here is my Beet Cured Gravlax. The color is absolutely stunning and it tastes like a million bucks. Add a few flavored cream cheese dips, and you’ve just won brunch.

GOURMET DELI PLATTE

This deli platter features a yummy mint sauce and especially sliced veggies for a unique take on a deli platter. 

ISRAELI PLATTER (The “Taste of Israel”)

Nothing brings people together like the flavors of the Shuk! For this platter, focus on one fresh, vibrant element like a homemade Creamy Hummus or a zesty Israeli salad. It’s fresh, clean, and reminds me of home every time.