Save 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 our go-to for holiday gatherings because it impresses guests without much effort.
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 Our family loves gathering around this colorful platter sharing stories and enjoying the festive flavors.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 260 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 10 g per serving approx
Save With just a little preparation you can create a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you assemble the holiday bow platter?
Begin by outlining a bow shape on your platter with parchment. Arrange cheeses along the loops, fold cured meats into rosettes beside them, then fill the center with clusters of grapes and sliced fruits. Place crackers and bread around the edges, distribute nuts and olives throughout, and garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and increase portions of cheeses, marinated vegetables, or add spreads like hummus to maintain variety and flavor balance.
- → What nuts are recommended for this platter?
Roasted almonds provide a crunchy contrast, but you can also include other nuts like walnuts or pecans depending on preference and allergies.
- → Which fruits work best for freshness and color?
Red and green grapes, pomegranate seeds, and crisp apple slices add sweet, tart, and juicy notes along with vibrant holiday colors.
- → How should the platter be served and stored?
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain freshness. If needed, cover and refrigerate briefly, but best enjoyed within a few hours to preserve texture and flavor.
- → Are there wine pairings that complement this selection?
Light white wines or sparkling wines complement the variety of cheeses and cured meats, balancing savory and fruity elements on the platter.