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 platter has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted, making guests excited and hungry with its festive presentation.
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 Gathering around this platter has made holiday moments even more special and memorable for my family and friends.
Notes
For a vegetarian version omit charcuterie and add more cheeses marinated olives or roasted peppers. For a gluten-free platter use gluten-free crackers or bread. Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Small knives for cheese Cocktail picks or small forks Star-shaped cutter (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (walnuts almonds) Wheat (baguette crackers) Pork (charcuterie if included) May contain Sulfites (dried fruits cured meats) Please check all labels for allergens if serving to guests with allergies.
Save This festive platter not only delights the eyes but also offers a variety of flavors sure to please every guest.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the holiday tree platter?
Start by arranging rosemary sprigs in a triangular tree shape on your board. Then layer cheeses, fruits, charcuterie, nuts, and vegetables in rows, filling the tree. Finish with a starfruit or star-shaped cheese as the tree topper.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, omit the charcuterie and add more cheese varieties, marinated olives, or roasted peppers to maintain flavor and variety.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Brie, Comté, and goat cheese provide creaminess and tang. You can also try Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert for added variety.
- → How to serve the platter?
Serve chilled with small forks or cocktail picks. Include sliced baguette and assorted crackers along the base to complement the ingredients.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Use gluten-free crackers or gluten-free bread substitutes to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising presentation.
- → What wines pair well with this platter?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the cheeses and fruits.