Pin it A festive and colorful appetizer platter, artfully arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with an array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy entertaining.
I love serving this snack board at holiday parties because it brings everyone together to share and enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, cubed 120 g gouda cheese, cubed 120 g mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, thinly sliced 100 g salami, sliced
- Vegetables & Fruits: 1 small cucumber, sliced into rounds 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup green grapes 1 cup red grapes 1 cup black olives, pitted
- Crackers & Nuts: 1 cup assorted crackers 1/2 cup roasted almonds
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches) 1 yellow bell pepper star (cut using a small cookie cutter or knife)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular serving board or platter, arrange the fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangular tree shape as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Starting from the bottom, layer rows of crackers, cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, and fruits to fill out the tree shape. Alternate colors and textures for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Place the yellow bell pepper star at the top of the tree.
- Step 4:
- Fill in any gaps with olives, nuts, or extra grapes.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to pick and choose their favorites.
Pin it This board always brings my family together during the holidays, sparking conversations and sharing favorite bites.
Notes
Serve with small cheese knives, toothpicks, and cocktail napkins. Pairs well with sparkling wine or a light white wine.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Sharp knife Small cookie cutter (for star) optional Cheese knives or toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers). Some cured meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Pin it This easy snack board is perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings and can be tailored to suit all tastes.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the snack board into a Christmas tree shape?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs arranged in a triangular form as a base guide, then layer crackers, cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, and fruits in rows from bottom to top, finishing with a bell pepper star.
- → Can I make this platter vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and add extra vegetables or marinated tofu cubes to maintain variety and texture.
- → What are some substitution ideas for the cheeses and meats?
Feel free to use your preferred cheeses and cured meats or pick dairy-free alternatives if needed to meet dietary requirements.
- → What pairings go well with this snack board?
This platter pairs nicely with sparkling wine or a light white wine complementing the variety of flavors and textures.
- → How should I serve this platter to guests?
Provide small cheese knives, toothpicks, and cocktail napkins so guests can easily pick their favorites from the board.