Save A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer was a hit at my last holiday party and made for easy, beautiful entertaining.
Ingredients
- Meats: 6 slices prosciutto, 6 slices salami, 6 slices smoked turkey breast
- Cheeses: 100 g cheddar cheese sliced, 100 g Swiss cheese sliced, 100 g goat cheese crumbled
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 small cucumber sliced, 10 cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium carrot cut into sticks, 1/4 cup black olives sliced, 1/4 cup green olives pitted and sliced, 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens
- Crackers & Extras: 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers (or regular as preferred), 2 tbsp whole grain mustard, 2 tbsp fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or platter use a gingerbread man-shaped outline (drawn on parchment or a large cookie cutter) as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the meats to outline the gingerbread man shape layering prosciutto salami and turkey to form the arms legs and head.
- Step 3:
- Fill in the body with sliced cheeses alternating colors and textures.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives for buttons cherry tomato halves for cheeks cucumber slices for hands and feet and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle goat cheese to resemble icing along the arms and legs.
- Step 6:
- Surround the figure with crackers vegetable sticks arugula and remaining cheese and meats for easy access.
- Step 7:
- Serve with mustard and fig jam on the side.
Save This dish brings the family together every holiday season for fun and sharing.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional) small bowls for spreads
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (crackers—choose gluten-free for dietary needs) Contains processed meats (check for added allergens) Check all labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 13 g
Save The gingerbread man charcuterie makes any gathering cheerful and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I keep the meats and cheeses in place?
Using hummus or soft cheese as a base can help smaller pieces adhere better. Alternatively, assemble the platter shortly before serving to maintain freshness and structure.
- → Can I substitute the meats for a vegetarian version?
Yes, grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices work well as alternatives, providing similar textures and flavors to complement the cheeses and vegetables.
- → What is the best way to create the gingerbread man shape?
Use a cookie cutter or draw an outline on parchment paper as a guide on the serving board to arrange the meats and cheeses into the desired shape.
- → Are gluten-free crackers suitable with this platter?
Absolutely, gluten-free crackers are recommended to accommodate dietary restrictions and pair wonderfully with the meats, cheeses, and condiments.
- → How far in advance can this platter be prepared?
It’s best assembled within a few hours of serving to preserve freshness and maintain the visual appeal of the arrangement.
- → What condiments complement this savory platter?
Whole grain mustard and fig jam add contrasting sharp and sweet notes, enriching the flavors of the meats and cheeses.