Save The Jingle Bell Cheese Board is a vibrant and festive centerpiece perfect for any holiday gathering. Combining a colorful selection of cheeses, fresh fruits, optional charcuterie, and delightful accompaniments, this appetizer brings both elegance and ease to your celebration table. Whether you're serving family, friends, or guests, the holiday-inspired touches will impress and delight.
Save This cheese board is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The combination of colorful grapes, ruby pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs adds a festive flair that will brighten up any holiday spread. With minimal effort, it brings a sophisticated touch that encourages grazing and conversation.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese, whole wheel or wedge; 150 g aged Cheddar, sliced; 100 g blue cheese, crumbled or sliced; 120 g goat cheese, log or rounds
- Charcuterie (optional for non-vegetarians): 100 g prosciutto; 100 g salami, sliced
- Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, washed; 1 cup green grapes, washed; 1 pomegranate, seeded; 1 apple, sliced; 1 pear, sliced
- Nuts & Extras: ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup marinated olives; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup fig jam
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette, sliced; 150 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs; Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- 1. Arrange the cheeses on a large board or platter, spacing them out to allow room for other ingredients.
- 2. Lay out the charcuterie around the cheeses, folding the slices for visual appeal.
- 3. Add the fresh fruits, arranging them in clusters for color and contrast.
- 4. Fill in gaps with nuts, dried cranberries, and marinated olives.
- 5. Place honey and fig jam in small bowls and add them to the board.
- 6. Add bread slices and crackers in stacks or fanned out.
- 7. Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- 8. Serve immediately, ensuring small cheese knives and spreaders are available.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra holiday charm, use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut cheese slices. To keep apple and pear slices fresh and prevent browning, toss them lightly with lemon juice before arranging. Selecting a variety of textures and flavors will enhance the overall experience.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap out any cheeses or charcuterie based on personal preference or dietary restrictions. The board can be fully vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and salami. Customize fruits and nuts seasonally for different twists throughout the year.
Serviervorschläge
This cheese board pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, Prosecco, or a festive cocktail. Present it as a centerpiece on your holiday table to encourage mingling and relaxed enjoyment amongst guests.
Save With minimum preparation time and maximum impact, this Jingle Bell Cheese Board is an effortless way to add holiday cheer to your appetizer offerings. Enjoy the festive flavors and beautiful presentation that will have guests returning for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses suit a festive cheese board?
A mix of creamy Brie, aged Cheddar, tangy blue cheese, and soft goat cheese creates balanced flavors and textures.
- → How can I keep apple and pear slices from browning?
Lightly toss apple and pear slices in lemon juice before arranging to maintain their fresh appearance.
- → What accompaniments enhance a cheese board?
Nuts, dried cranberries, marinated olives, honey, and fig jam add sweet and savory contrasts, enriching the tasting experience.
- → Can I include vegetarian options on this board?
Yes; simply omit charcuterie and focus on cheeses, fruits, nuts, and garnishes for a vegetarian-friendly spread.
- → How should I arrange the ingredients on the board?
Space cheeses evenly, surround with folded charcuterie, cluster fruits, fill gaps with nuts and extras, then add crackers and garnishes last.
- → What pairings work well with this festive board?
Sparkling wines like Prosecco or festive cocktails complement the range of flavors beautifully.