Save A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday bow, featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and savory bites&perfect for entertaining.
This appetizer platter is always a hit at our holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together to enjoy the beautiful assortment and delicious bites.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g sharp cheddar, cubed, 120 g brie, sliced, 120 g gouda, cubed
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, thinly sliced, 100 g salami, thinly sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup green grapes, 1 pomegranate, seeded, 1 apple, sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette, sliced, 150 g assorted crackers
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup marinated olives, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/3 cup honey or fig jam
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular or oval platter, lightly sketch the outline of a bow using parchment paper as a guide, if desired.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cheeses along the loops and center of the bow, spacing for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Fold and layer the cured meats in gentle waves or rosettes next to the cheeses.
- Step 4:
- Fill in the bow with clusters of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices.
- Step 5:
- Place crackers and baguette slices around the edges or in the tails of the bow.
- Step 6:
- Add nuts, olives, and dried apricots in small piles throughout to create color and texture contrast.
- Step 7:
- Spoon honey or fig jam into a small bowl and nestle it into the platter.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, replenishing ingredients as needed.
Save Our family gathers around this platter every holiday season, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoy the variety of flavors together.
Notes
Try adding goat cheese, blue cheese, or cherry tomatoes for more variety. Pairs well with sparkling wine or light white wine.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, Sharp knife, Small bowls for jams and olives, Cheese knives or spreaders
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese), Tree nuts (almonds), Gluten (crackers, baguette). May contain Sulfites (cured meats), possible cross-contamination in processed foods. Always check product labels for allergens.
Save This holiday bow appetizer platter is not only beautiful but also easy to customize and perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best for this holiday bow platter?
Sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and mild gouda offer a balance of flavors and textures that complement the other platter elements.
- → How can I make the platter vegetarian-friendly?
Simply omit cured meats and add extra cheeses, marinated vegetables, or hummus to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What fruits are suggested for this platter?
Red and green grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices provide vibrant color and refreshing sweetness.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the crackers and bread?
Yes, substituting the crackers and baguette with gluten-free alternatives ensures suitability for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → How should I arrange the platter to resemble a holiday bow?
Use parchment paper to lightly sketch the bow shape on the platter, then layer cheeses along the loops, fold cured meats into rosettes nearby, and fill spaces with fruits, nuts, and crackers to achieve a balanced, festive look.
- → What garnishes add a festive touch to the platter?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers brighten the presentation and enhance the holiday theme.