Pin A stunning and delicious appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a festive tree featuring cheeses charcuterie fresh fruits nuts and savory nibbles perfect for holiday gatherings
This platter has been a centerpiece at my holiday parties bringing joy and compliments from all my guests
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese cut into cubes 150 g Compté cheese cubed 100 g goat cheese sliced into rounds
- Charcuterie (optional omit for vegetarian): 100 g prosciutto rolled 100 g saucisson sec sliced 100 g smoked turkey breast sliced
- Fruits: 1 small bunch of red grapes 1 small bunch of green grapes 1 pomegranate seeds only 1 kiwi peeled and sliced 1 apple cored and sliced
- Vegetables: 150 g cherry tomatoes 1 small cucumber sliced
- Nuts & Extras: 50 g walnuts 50 g roasted almonds 50 g dried apricots
- Garnishes & Accompaniments: Fresh rosemary sprigs for tree branches 1 starfruit sliced for the top star or use a star-shaped piece of cheese 1 baguette sliced Crackers assorted
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large serving board or platter arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape to outline the tree
- Step 2:
- Starting at the base alternate rows of cheese cubes charcuterie fruits vegetables and nuts creating colorful horizontal lines that fill the tree shape
- Step 3:
- Place the starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese at the top of the tree as a decorative star
- Step 4:
- Fill gaps with grapes pomegranate seeds and nuts for extra color and texture
- Step 5:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers along the base as the tree trunk
- Step 6:
- Chill until ready to serve and present with small serving forks or cocktail picks
Pin This recipe always creates a warm family gathering moment during the holidays
Notes
For a vegetarian version omit charcuterie and add more cheeses marinated olives or roasted peppers. Try different cheeses such as Emmental Roquefort or Camembert. Wine pairing Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Small knives for cheese Cocktail picks or small forks Star-shaped cutter optional
Allergen Information
Contains Milk cheese Tree nuts walnuts almonds Wheat baguette crackers Pork charcuterie if included May contain Sulfites dried fruits cured meats Please check all labels for allergens if serving to guests with allergies
Pin This appetizer platter is sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebration memorable
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I assemble the tree shape?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs arranged in a triangle to outline the tree, then layer cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in horizontal rows filling the shape.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add more cheese varieties, marinated olives, or roasted peppers for added flavor.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Soft cheeses like Brie, Comté, and goat cheese are excellent choices, but you can also try Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert for variety.
- → How can I make this platter gluten-free?
Replace the baguette and crackers with gluten-free alternatives, ensuring all accompaniments align with gluten-free standards.
- → What drinks pair well with this holiday platter?
Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or delicate reds like Pinot Noir complement the diverse flavors beautifully.
- → How far in advance can I prepare the platter?
The platter can be assembled up to a few hours ahead and chilled until serving to keep ingredients fresh.