Save A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday wreath featuring tangy cranberry sauce creamy cheeses savory meats and crisp accompaniments perfect for entertaining
This platter was a highlight at my last holiday party bringing everyone together around a beautiful and delicious spread
Ingredients
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup orange juice 1 tsp orange zest
- Cheeses: 150 g (5 oz) brie sliced 150 g (5 oz) sharp white cheddar cubed 120 g (4 oz) goat cheese formed into small rounds
- Meats (optional for non-vegetarian platter): 100 g (3.5 oz) prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g (3.5 oz) salami sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 100 g (3.5 oz) water crackers 1 baguette sliced and toasted
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry sauce:
- In a small saucepan combine cranberries sugar orange juice and zest Bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens about 8 10 minutes Let cool completely
- Arrange the wreath base:
- On a large round platter or board arrange the rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape as the base
- Add cranberry sauce:
- Spoon small mounds of cranberry sauce at intervals around the wreath
- Add cheeses and meats:
- Arrange cheeses meats if using crackers and bread slices in sections around the rosemary alternating for visual appeal
- Add fruits and nuts:
- Tuck grapes dried apricots and nuts between the cheeses and meats to fill gaps and create a lush full appearance
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and serve immediately
Save This platter always brings smiles to my family as we share memories and holiday cheer while enjoying the festive flavors
Notes
Use a large round platter or cheese board for best presentation Small saucepan needed if making homemade cranberry sauce sharp knives and cheese spreaders are helpful
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cheese tree nuts pecans walnuts and gluten crackers bread May contain sulfites dried fruits cured meats Always check labels for allergens if uncertain
Nutritional Information
Per serving with meats includes approximately 240 calories 14 g total fat 23 g carbohydrates and 8 g protein
Save This cranberry wreath platter is a guaranteed festive favorite perfect for any holiday gathering
Recipe FAQ
- → How is the cranberry sauce prepared?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest for 8–10 minutes until thickened, then cool completely before serving.
- → Can the platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit prosciutto and salami, then add more cheeses or roasted vegetables for variety and fullness.
- → What cheeses are best for this platter?
Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese offer a creamy and sharp contrast; feel free to swap in favorites or add blue cheese.
- → How should the platter be arranged?
Arrange rosemary sprigs in a circle as a base, dollop cranberry sauce intermittently, and arrange cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, and nuts alternately to create a lush, inviting wreath.
- → What pairings complement this platter?
Crisp white wine or sparkling cider pairs wonderfully with the mixture of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors on the platter.
- → Can nuts be substituted or omitted?
Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch, but you can substitute with other nuts or leave them out according to preference or allergies.