Evergreen Wreath Board Appetizer (Print Version)

Colorful holiday board with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, herbs, and creamy dip centerpiece.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz Brie cheese, sliced into wedges
02 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, cut into rounds

→ Cured Meats (optional)

04 - 2.8 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 2.8 oz salami, sliced

→ Fresh Fruits

06 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
07 - 1 cup green grapes, halved
08 - 0.5 cup pomegranate arils

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
10 - 0.5 cup mini cucumbers, sliced

→ Nuts & Extras

11 - 0.5 cup roasted almonds
12 - 0.5 cup mixed olives (green and black)
13 - 0.25 cup dried cranberries

→ Foliage

14 - 6 to 8 sprigs fresh rosemary
15 - Several small olive branches, washed, edible

→ Center Dip

16 - 1 cup whipped feta dip or hummus (vegetarian option)
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
18 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Place a small bowl in the center of a large round serving board and fill it with whipped feta dip or hummus. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper on top.
02 - Circle the bowl with fresh rosemary sprigs and washed olive branches to form the wreath’s foliage base.
03 - Alternately arrange Brie wedges, aged cheddar cubes, and goat cheese rounds evenly around the greenery to provide varied colors and textures.
04 - If using, fold or roll prosciutto and salami slices, then tuck them between the cheeses to enhance flavor and appearance.
05 - Nestle halved red and green grapes, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices among the cheeses and meats to impart brightness and juiciness.
06 - Distribute pomegranate arils, roasted almonds, mixed olives, and dried cranberries throughout the wreath to add color contrast and crunch.
07 - Adjust components as necessary to maintain a consistent circular wreath shape, ensuring visual balance across all sections.
08 - Present immediately with crackers or bread on the side, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you've spent hours preparing when it honestly takes just 30 minutes—the kind of shortcut that actually impresses people
  • Everyone finds something they love, whether they're a cheese devotee, fruit person, or devoted meat eater—no one leaves hungry or disappointed
  • The fresh rosemary and olive branches aren't just pretty; they fill your kitchen with the scent of a gourmet delicatessen, making your home feel like a restaurant
  • You can prep everything in advance and arrange it just before guests arrive, leaving you calm and present instead of frazzled in the kitchen
02 -
  • Assemble everything as close to serving time as possible—cheese beads with moisture, fruits begin to brown, and the whole board loses its fresh energy if it sits more than an hour or two; if you must prepare ahead, keep elements separate and arrange just before guests arrive
  • The temperature of your board matters more than you'd think—a cold platter keeps cheeses firm and fruits crisp, while a warm kitchen can turn brie into a puddle; chill your board in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before arranging, especially in warmer weather
  • Don't skip the fresh herbs in the dip itself; a pinch of dried oregano or fresh thyme mixed into feta before dip-making creates a flavor bridge that ties the whole board together
  • Wet a paper towel and keep it nearby while arranging—sticky hands defeat beautiful presentation every time, and quick finger-cleaning between touches keeps everything pristine
03 -
  • Use a large wooden round or slate platter specifically—the rustic material makes everything look more elevated, and the circular shape literally frames your wreath composition
  • Arrange heavier, more substantial items first (cheeses, cured meats) so they anchor the board, then fill in with lighter, fresher elements that rest on top for visual pop
  • If you're making the feta dip yourself, blend it with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano; it'll be fresher and more flavorful than store-bought, and you can make it hours ahead
  • Add a small label or card naming components for guests with allergies—it's a small touch that shows you've thought of everyone and ensures people can eat without worry
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