Spanish Party Platter Recipe

This charcuterie board is like a quick trip to the heart of Spain, mixing my love for bold flavors and a picture-perfect presentation. From the savory chorizo and creamy manchego to the sweet touch of quince paste, every bite is an adventure that satisfies both my taste buds and my wanderlust.

For a delicious Spanish party platter, it is hard to beat the combination of rich, flavorful Serrano ham, spicy chorizo, and nutty Manchego cheese. The contrast provided by the marinated artichokes and roasted red peppers makes the platter even more interesting.

Despite the flavor fortissimo going on with the other ingredients, the savory marcona almonds somehow don’t get overshadowed. And every bite is elevated by the drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Ingredients

Ham Serrano: It is rich in protein and contributes a savory, smoky flavor.

Chorizo sausage is spicy and full of flavor.

It packs protein and fat.

And these days, if you can’t find it in your grocer’s sausage case, you can order it online.

Cheese Manchego: Nutty and creamy, aged cheese from sheep’s milk.

Olives from Spain: They have a robust flavor and a satisfying saltiness.

And they supply a good dose of monounsaturated fat, the kind you want in your diet.

Sweet and lively, with a bright red hue, roasted red peppers are a source of vitamin C.

Marcona Almonds: Fats that are heart-healthy, slightly sweet, and buttery.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto
• 150g chorizo sausage, sliced
• 100g manchego cheese, cubed
• 200g Spanish olives (blend of green and black)
• 150g roasted red peppers, sliced
• 100g marcona almonds, lightly salted
• 200g Spanish tortilla cut into small cubes or wedges
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 100g marinated artichokes
• 80g of quince paste
• 1 small bunch of grapes, separated into small clusters
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Start with the sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto and chorizo sausage arranged on a large serving platter. Some pieces can overlap and most of them should be visible on the front side of the platter for an appealing display.

2. Place the cubed manchego cheese on the platter between the slices of ham and chorizo, so that the contrast of the different textures and flavors makes the whole a greater sum than the parts.

3. Nest cured meats and a congenial mix of green and black Spanish olives in a small bowl on a platter directly next to the pleasurable assemblage of items that is a charcuterie board.

4. Distribute the sliced roasted red peppers evenly across the platter, providing vibrant splashes of color among the other ingredients.

5. Spread the marcona almonds throughout the platter or place them in a small bowl. These bite-sized beauties provide a simple way to add a grab-and-go snack element to your mezze.

6. Piece together the wedge or cube forms of Spanish tortilla on one section of the serving platter.

7. Arrange the baguette slices in a fan shape next to the other components, making it simple to grab one for topping or dipping.

8. Position the marinated artichokes in a small bowl or directly on the platter, next to the roasted peppers and olives.

9. Slice or cube the quince paste and place it alongside the manchego cheese. These two items were made for each other.

10. Complete the plate by placing little bunches of grapes around the perimeter, drizzling all with extra virgin olive oil, and garnishing with sprigs of fresh parsley for a hit of brightness.

Equipment Needed

1. Large serving platter
2. Small bowls (2-3, for olives, marcona almonds, and marinated artichokes)
3. Cheese knife or sharp knife (for slicing or cubing manchego cheese and quince paste)
4. Cutting board (for slicing bread and arranging items if desired)
5. Tongs or small serving forks (for serving items like ham, chorizo, or grapes)
6. Measuring cups/spoons or a kitchen scale (optional, for measuring ingredients)
7. Drizzle bottle or spoon (for olive oil)

FAQ

• Question:Is it possible to use a different type of ham in place of Serrano ham?
  Answer:
  Certainly! Prosciutto is an excellent substitute for Serrano ham. It offers up a very similar flavor and texture to what Serrano ham would provide.
• Question:Can you find a substitute for manchego cheese?
  Answer:
  If you can’t get hold of manchego, you can always use a mild, nut-like cheese in its place, possibly Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
• Question:How can I prepare this platter in a way that’s suitable for vegetarians?
  Answer:
  You can leave out the meat and pile on even more roasted vegetables, cheeses, and nuts for a vegetarian platter that’s perfectly satisfying.
• Question:How should I store leftovers?
  Leftover parts ought to be kept apart in airtight containers in the fridge and consumed within 2-3 days.
• Question:Is it permissible to make some of the food components prior to the serving time? The response is: Yes. You can prepare the food components in advance. The baguette can be cut into slices, the cheese can be cubed, and both the chorizo and peppers can be sliced prior to the serving time. These ingredients can then be melded together to create a dish that is quite fresh.
• Question:Which beverages make a good match with this platter?
  Red Spanish wines like Tempranillo or a crisp white wine like Albariño are excellent companions to this platter.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto with these unexpected yet delicious alternatives:

– Thinly sliced smoked turkey
– Thinly sliced quality smoked ham

In the photo above, I used thinly sliced smoked turkey from Whole Foods.
For a flavor profile that closely matches that of chorizo sausage, try using spicy Italian salami instead. It has a similar taste intensity, and palatability rolls right off the tongue.
You can use aged cheddar or Asiago cheese to replace Manchego.
Dried tomatoes can take the place of roasted red peppers for a different flavor twist.
You can substitute Marcona almonds with either standard roasted almonds or blanched almonds.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Flavors Ensure that the variety of ingredients on the platter provides a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and salty flavors. For example, pairing the sweetness of the quince paste with the saltiness of the manchego cheese can create a delightful contrast.

2. Texture Variety Incorporate a range of textures across the platter. The creamy manchego, the crunchy marcona almonds, and the tender roasted red peppers provide a diverse mouthfeel that enhances the eating experience.

3. Bread Presentation Consider toasting the baguette slices lightly to add another layer of texture. The crispiness will pair well with smoother elements like the artichokes and Serrano ham.

4. Colorful Arrangement Strategically place vibrant ingredients like roasted red peppers and grapes to add visual interest to your platter. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also makes the platter more inviting.

5. Ingredient Pairing Suggest an arrangement where complementary items are placed together, such as the chorizo near the olives for those who enjoy a piquant touch, or the manchego alongside quince paste for a sweet-savory bite.