Candy Cane Zigzag Holiday Board (Printable)

Bold red and white holiday board combining cheeses, meats, fruits, and garnishes for festive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or bocconcini balls
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, optional, sliced or crumbled

→ Meats

03 - 7 oz dry-cured salami, sliced
04 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, optional, rolled

→ Accompaniments

05 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
07 - 1.75 oz pomegranate seeds, for garnish
08 - 3.5 oz green or red grapes
09 - Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs, for garnish

→ Crackers & Breads

10 - 5.25 oz assorted crackers or gluten-free crackers
11 - 1 small baguette, sliced, optional

→ Dips & Spreads

12 - 1 small bowl whole-grain mustard or honey
13 - 1 small bowl cranberry chutney or fig jam

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - On a large rectangular or oval serving board, arrange salami and mozzarella alternately in overlapping slices to form a bold, curving S-shape resembling a candy cane, starting at one corner and curving toward the center, then back out to the opposite side.
02 - Fill the curve with additional cheese such as goat cheese (if using) and rolled prosciutto for added color and texture.
03 - Position halved cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips alongside the red sections for a festive, vibrant touch.
04 - Scatter grapes, pomegranate seeds, and fresh basil or rosemary sprigs around the board to enhance visual interest and freshness.
05 - Place assorted crackers and baguette slices along the board's edge or in a separate basket for easy access.
06 - Place small bowls with whole-grain mustard or honey and cranberry chutney or fig jam on or near the board.
07 - Tuck in additional basil or rosemary sprigs to elevate the presentation. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a show-stopper that takes just twenty minutes to assemble, making you look like a culinary genius without the stress.
  • Everyone finds something they love here, from cheese devotees to meat lovers to those who just want to graze on fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds.
  • The candy cane shape naturally guides your guests through the board, creating an interactive, playful eating experience that breaks the ice at any gathering.
02 -
  • Bring everything to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving. Cold cheese is firm and less flavorful; room-temperature cheese melts on the tongue and sings with flavor in a way that transforms the tasting experience.
  • Pat your mozzarella dry before slicing if using fresh. This small step prevents a slick board and helps your slices maintain their shape and appearance throughout the gathering.
  • The order matters less than the intention. Your candy cane doesn't have to be perfectly symmetrical. Guests will appreciate the effort regardless, and slight imperfections actually make it feel more handcrafted and personal.
03 -
  • Invest in a quality large board. It's the stage for your performance, and a beautiful board in wood or slate elevates the entire presentation and makes you feel like a professional every time you use it.
  • Arrange this board as close to serving time as possible. Mozzarella especially can weep a little if sitting too long at room temperature, and herbs will wilt if exposed to warm air. Fresh is always better, so set it up when guests are nearly ready to eat.
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