Save 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 has become my go-to for holiday parties as it looks impressive yet is simple to prepare.
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.
Save My family always gathers around this platter sharing stories and enjoying the festive atmosphere it creates.
Wine Pairings
This platter pairs beautifully with a crisp white Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir red wine enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
Serving Tips
Use small cocktail picks or forks for easy serving and arranging fresh rosemary gives that authentic tree branch effect.
Storage Suggestions
Prepare the platter shortly before serving and keep chilled until ready to eat for best freshness.
Save This festive tree appetizer platter is sure to impress your guests and bring holiday cheer with minimal effort.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make this platter vegetarian?
Simply omit the charcuterie and add extra cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers for variety and texture.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Soft and semi-hard cheeses like Brie, Comté, goat cheese, Emmental, Roquefort, and Camembert create appealing textures and flavors.
- → Can this platter be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute the baguette and crackers for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How long can I prepare the platter in advance?
You can assemble the platter several hours ahead and chill it until serving to keep ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant.
- → What wine pairs well with this holiday tree platter?
Light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or gentle reds like Pinot Noir complement the variety of cheeses and fruits nicely.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This platter contains milk, tree nuts, wheat, and pork if included; always check ingredient labels if serving guests with allergies.