Save A festive and colorful appetizer platter, artfully arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with an array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy entertaining.
This snack board has become a holiday favorite in my family because it combines delicious flavors and looks stunning on the table.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g sharp cheddar cheese cubed, 120 g gouda cheese cubed, 120 g mozzarella balls (bocconcini) drained
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto thinly sliced, 100 g salami sliced
- Vegetables & Fruits: 1 small cucumber sliced into rounds, 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup green grapes, 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup black olives pitted
- Crackers & Nuts: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1/2 cup roasted almonds
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches), 1 yellow bell pepper star (cut using a small cookie cutter or knife)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular serving board or platter, arrange the fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangular tree shape as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Starting from the bottom, layer rows of crackers, cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, and fruits to fill out the tree shape. Alternate colors and textures for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Place the yellow bell pepper star at the top of the tree.
- Step 4:
- Fill in any gaps with olives, nuts, or extra grapes.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to pick and choose their favorites.
Save This snack board always brings my family together, sparking conversations and holiday cheer around the table.
Notes
Serve with small cheese knives, toothpicks, and cocktail napkins. Pairs well with sparkling wine or a light white wine.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, sharp knife, small cookie cutter (for star) optional, cheese knives or toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers). Some cured meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save This Christmas tree snack board is the perfect festive starter for any holiday event and can be adapted to suit all diets.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I shape the snack board like a Christmas tree?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs arranged in a triangular form as a guide on a large platter. Layer crackers, cheeses, meats, and produce following the outline to build the tree shape.
- → Can I make this platter vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, simply omit cured meats and add extra vegetables or marinated tofu cubes to maintain variety and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for this snack board?
Sharp cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella balls provide a balance of flavor and texture, but feel free to use your favorites or seasonal varieties.
- → How can I keep the fruits fresh while assembling the board?
Wash and dry fruits thoroughly beforehand, and place them just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant appearance.
- → What are good drink pairings for this festive snack board?
Light white wines or sparkling wines complement the mix of cheeses, meats, and fruits beautifully during holiday gatherings.