Santas Beard Hat Board (Print Version)

A festive board with creamy cheeses and cured meats shaped like Santas beard and hat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beard

01 - 7 oz brie cheese, sliced
02 - 7 oz goat cheese, crumbled
03 - 5 oz white cheddar, cubed
04 - 5 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
05 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, shaped into small balls (optional)
06 - 7 oz assorted white crackers (rice crackers, water crackers, etc.)

→ Hat

07 - 5 oz sliced Genoa salami
08 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, rolled
09 - 3.5 oz pepperoni slices
10 - 2 large roasted red bell peppers, sliced into strips
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers

→ Garnishes

12 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration
13 - 1 black olive for Santa's pom-pom

# Recipe Steps:

01 - On a large wooden board or platter, outline a triangle at the top for the hat and a rounded bottom section for the beard.
02 - Arrange brie slices, goat cheese crumbles, cheddar cubes, and halved mozzarella balls to form a fluffy beard shape. Distribute cream cheese balls throughout for texture variation.
03 - Place rows of assorted white crackers at the base and sides of the beard section to frame it.
04 - Layer slices of Genoa salami and pepperoni in the triangular hat area, overlapping to create a rich red base. Add rolled prosciutto and roasted red bell pepper strips for color and contrast.
05 - Place cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers at the tip and along the hat for brightness and visual interest.
06 - Use fresh rosemary sprigs to outline the edges of the hat and beard, enhancing the festive presentation.
07 - Position a black olive at the tip of the hat to serve as Santa's pom-pom.
08 - Serve immediately, replenishing the board as necessary during your gathering.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 20 minutes to assemble—your guests will think you spent hours
  • Everyone finds something they love, whether they're a meat lover, cheese devotee, or veggie enthusiast
  • It doubles as both a beautiful centerpiece and an interactive conversation starter at any gathering
  • The combination of creamy, salty, and fresh flavors makes it impossible to eat just one bite
02 -
  • Arrange everything just before serving—cheeses can start looking tired after an hour, and the whole magic depends on that fresh, abundant appearance
  • Remove cheeses from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before assembly so they're at their creamy, delicious best, but not so warm they melt into puddles
  • Have extra of your star ingredients nearby to replenish throughout the party—this board disappears faster than you'd expect
03 -
  • Let everything come to room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving—cold cheese doesn't taste nearly as rich and creamy
  • Invest in a really beautiful wooden board; it becomes part of your holiday tradition and your guests will remember it year after year
  • Don't be afraid of negative space—a slightly crowded board looks generous and abundant, but you need room for people to actually grab things without toppling the careful arrangement
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