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What is a Meat Tray?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A meat or party tray is a mixed platter of cold cuts which may be laid out at a buffet or party. Typically, meat trays are paired with trays of cheeses, dips, crackers, breads, fruits, and other snack foods for guests, and they are usually garnished with vegetables. Many delis make meat trays which can be stocked with custom foods for special events, and it is also possible to assemble your own meat tray, using sliced meats, cheeses, and other ingredients from a local deli.

The arrangement of a meat tray is usually designed to be at least vaguely artistic, and to minimize hand contact with the food. The meats are often rolled up and spiked with toothpicks so that people can grab the toothpicks instead of touching the meat directly, for example, or tongs will be provided for lifting up desired cuts of meat. The meats may be creatively fanned, stacked, or otherwise arranged so that the tray looks attractive to people approaching it.

Deli meat is often included in a meat tray.
Deli meat is often included in a meat tray.

The meats used on a meat tray vary widely. Cured meats are commonly on offer, along with roasted meats like beef, chicken, and turkey. The tray is often lined with lettuce or other foliage in addition to waxed paper, and garnishes like vegetables cut into fantastic shapes, carrot sticks, sliced tomatoes, and shredded parsley are common; many people use garnishes to separate the different types of meat on the tray, making it easier for people to identify them. Edible flowers are also acceptable and sometimes quite pleasant garnishes.

Sliced pastrami for a meat tray.
Sliced pastrami for a meat tray.

In an ideal world, a meat tray is displayed on a bed of ice which will help to keep the meat cool, reducing the risk of food-borne illness. Some cooks also try to avoid mixing meats and cheeses, and they typically encourage guests to stack foods of their choice on plates, rather than grazing directly from the trays. Leftovers can be refrigerated if they have not been out for more than two hours; otherwise, they should be discarded.

Meat trays often include garnishes, such as parsley.
Meat trays often include garnishes, such as parsley.

If you plan to bring a meat tray to a party, you may want to order it ahead of time from your deli, to ensure that the deli will have the meats you want in stock. This is especially true during the holiday season, when meat trays are on abundant offer at parties both large and small. If you wish to assemble your own, pre-order the sliced meats you need several days in advance, and follow directions for handling and refrigeration to ensure that they stay safe to eat.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

chivebasil

My dad loves to BBQ and he has done a BBQ meat tray on a number of occasions. It is really more of a platter. There are three or four kinds of meat piled in mounds on a tray. Guests can pick whatever they like to make their own BBQ sandwich. He also makes his own sauce which he supplies in buckets.

Many people elect to not even make a sandwich. they just sample a little of each of the meats. They are all so good. I know how hard it is to choose.

summing

You can easily serve an entire party of hungry people with just a fruit tray, a veggie tray and a fruit and cheese tray. You are basically providing something for everything and you do not need to worry about serving hot food. Everything can be prepared before hand and will be fresh the minute your guests arrive.

gravois

I like to do an Italian meat tray at parties. I will put out salami, prosciutto, capicola and good bologna. Then I will slice up some mozzarella and provolone cheese. I will round it all out with some good tomato slices. I will have some crackers or bread slices close by so people can make their own little finger sandwiches.

This is a great appetizer because it is easy to prepare and a hit with guests. I usually don't have more than a few tomatoes left by the end of the party.

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    • Deli meat is often included in a meat tray.
      Deli meat is often included in a meat tray.
    • Sliced pastrami for a meat tray.
      Sliced pastrami for a meat tray.
    • Meat trays often include garnishes, such as parsley.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Meat trays often include garnishes, such as parsley.
    • A meat tray may contain turkey.
      By: Studio Gi
      A meat tray may contain turkey.
    • Delis often stock apple-smoked turkey or other speciality meats.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Delis often stock apple-smoked turkey or other speciality meats.