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 has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it impresses guests without requiring complicated preparation.
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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)
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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.
- Arrange 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.
Pin it This recipe sparks joyful conversations and creates lasting memories every holiday season with my family.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve the platter with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated covered for up to 2 days, though the crackers may lose crispness.
Variations
For extra holiday flair, garnish with pomegranate seeds or swap rosemary for other herbs like thyme.
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Enjoy assembling this beautiful platter and sharing it with loved ones during the festive season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce for the wreath?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until berries burst and sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Let it cool before assembling.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cranberry sauce and slice cheeses and meats in advance. Assemble just before serving for freshness and best presentation.
- → What are good alternatives to nuts in this platter?
Toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds work well, or try crunchy vegetable chips for added texture without nuts.
- → How can I make this platter vegetarian-friendly?
Simply omit the prosciutto and salami, and consider adding extra cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What beverage pairs well with this wreath platter?
A crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the tanginess of cranberry sauce and richness of the cheeses nicely.
