Save A festive, visually stunning cheese platter arranged in the shape of a holiday wreath, featuring a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and herbs perfect for entertaining.
This platter has been a hit at my holiday parties, always sparking great conversations and compliments.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cut into wedges, 150 g Aged Cheddar cubed, 100 g Goat cheese rolled into small balls, 100 g Blue cheese crumbled
- Meats (optional omit for vegetarian): 100 g Prosciutto folded, 100 g Salami sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup green grapes, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Accompaniments: 1/2 cup mixed olives, 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds walnuts or pecans), 1/2 cup mini pickles (cornichons)
- Garnishes: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, Fresh cranberries (for color optional)
- Serving: Assorted crackers and/or sliced baguette
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange a large round platter or board as your base.
- Step 2:
- Lay fresh rosemary and thyme around the edge to form the wreaths foliage.
- Step 3:
- Evenly distribute the cheeses in clusters around the wreath spacing out colors and textures.
- Step 4:
- Add cured meats in folds or rosettes between cheese clusters (if using).
- Step 5:
- Tuck grapes apricots and pomegranate seeds among the cheese and meats for color and sweetness.
- Step 6:
- Fill gaps with olives nuts and mini pickles.
- Step 7:
- Scatter fresh cranberries for a festive touch if desired.
- Step 8:
- Arrange crackers and/or baguette slices around or beside the wreath.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My family always gathers around this platter at holidays sharing stories and laughter while enjoying the variety.
Notes
For a vegetarian platter omit meats and add extra cheese nuts or roasted vegetables. Try adding honey fig jam or grainy mustard as sweet or spicy accompaniments. Wine pairing Sparkling wine or a crisp white complements the variety of flavors.
Required Tools
Large round serving platter or board Small bowls (for olives nuts or spreads) Cheese knives Small tongs (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (if using) Wheat (if serving with regular crackers/bread) Some cured meats may contain gluten or other allergens—check labels. For nut allergies omit nuts or substitute with seeds.
Save Arrange ingredients thoughtfully for the most stunning presentation and enjoy the festive spirit this platter brings.
Recipe Help
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
A mix of creamy Brie, tangy aged Cheddar, tangy goat cheese, and pungent blue cheese provides a balanced flavor and texture contrast.
- → Can I omit the cured meats for a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply leave out the meats and add extra cheese, nuts, or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and texture.
- → How should I arrange the platter for best presentation?
Start by forming a wreath of fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs around the platter edge, then cluster cheeses and meats evenly with fruits and garnishes filling the gaps.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Assorted crackers or sliced baguette complement the platter perfectly, providing a neutral base for the flavors.
- → Are there suitable drink pairings for this spread?
Light, sparkling wines or crisp white wines pair well with the variety of cheeses and fresh fruits featured in this arrangement.