Save to Pinterest 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 platter has become my go-to for holiday gatherings as guests love the variety and festive presentation.
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 to Pinterest This platter brings our family together as everyone enjoys selecting their favorite bites and sharing stories during the holidays.
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 to Pinterest With a little preparation this holiday bow appetizer platter will impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more.
Questions & Answers
- → What types of cheeses work best for this platter?
Sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and mild gouda provide a balanced range of flavors and textures that complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this arrangement?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and add extra cheeses, marinated vegetables, or spreads like hummus to maintain variety and richness.
- → How can I keep the fresh fruits from browning?
Lightly toss apple slices with lemon juice before arranging to prevent oxidation and maintain a fresh appearance throughout serving.
- → What drink pairings complement this platter?
Light white wines or sparkling wines work well, enhancing the mix of savory and sweet elements without overpowering the flavors.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the crackers and breads?
Absolutely, substitute the baguette and crackers with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.