Pin it 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 appetizer platter has become my go-to for holiday parties as guests love the festive presentation and diverse flavors
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese cut into cubes 150 g Comté 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 it This platter always brings my family together with everyone enjoying the sharing and festive spirit of the presentation
Wine Pairing
Pair this platter with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir for the best flavor experience
Allergen Information
Contains milk tree nuts wheat and possibly sulfites please check all labels for allergens if serving to guests with allergies
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter small knives for cheese cocktail picks or small forks star-shaped cutter optional
Pin it This appetizer platter adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering making entertaining effortless and elegant
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the holiday tree platter?
Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle to form the tree outline. Layer cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in rows, finishing with a starfruit or cheese star on top.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add more variety of cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Soft and semi-hard cheeses like Brie, Comté, goat cheese, Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert offer varied textures and flavors that complement the arrangement.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free crackers or bread in place of traditional baguette slices to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What beverages pair well with this platter?
Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or light reds like Pinot Noir enhance the bouquet of flavors in this festive spread.
- → How far ahead can I prepare the platter?
Assemble the platter shortly before serving to keep fresh fruits and vegetables crisp. Keep chilled until ready to present.