Do not spend $30-plus on a simple veggie and cheese platter from the deli. Just don’t. They’re too simple and so much cheaper to make at home. This is not a fancy cheese plate, this is more of a kid-friendly snacking tray that I’m going to take to a small gathering of friends for New Year’s Eve. Keep these platters low maintenance by using up whatever vegetables, cheese and nuts you have lying around the fridge and pantry. And while I love my pretty white ceramic serving platters, these black plastic catering trays from Party City are easier to shuttle around, less likely to break and cheap, the one is the photo is just $3.99.
Cheese: mild white farm cheddar, extra sharp Tillamook cheddar, soft small brie round
Vegetables: cherry tomatoes, English seedless cucumber, carrots, celery
Fruit: strawberries
Nuts: cashews, almonds