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 platter has become a beloved tradition at our holiday parties and always impresses guests with its festive look and variety of flavors
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 This platter always brings the family together as everyone enjoys picking at the variety and sharing stories around the holiday table
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit charcuterie and add more cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers. Try different cheeses such as Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert. For a gluten-free platter, use gluten-free crackers or bread. Wine pairing: 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 appetizer platter is a showstopper that’s simple to assemble and perfect for sharing
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you assemble the holiday tree platter?
Start by arranging fresh rosemary sprigs into a triangular tree shape on a large board. Layer cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts alternately in horizontal rows, filling the tree outline. Top with a starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese and fill any gaps for color and texture.
- → Can this platter accommodate vegetarians?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add more varieties of cheese, marinated olives, or roasted peppers to maintain a colorful and flavorful spread.
- → What are some suitable accompaniments?
Sliced baguette and assorted crackers are ideal to place along the base of the tree as a trunk. Cocktail picks or small forks help with serving.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this platter?
Yes, replace regular crackers and baguette with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs without compromising the presentation.
- → What beverages pair well with the platter?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds like Pinot Noir complement the variety of cheeses and charcuterie beautifully.