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 is always a hit at holiday gatherings and brings a beautiful centerpiece to the table.
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 rosemary wreath base:
- On a large round platter or board arrange the rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape as the base.
- Add cranberry sauce mounds:
- Spoon small mounds of cranberry sauce at intervals around the wreath.
- Arrange cheeses meats crackers and bread:
- 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 recipe always brings family and friends together around the table enjoying holiday cheer.
Notes
For extra holiday flair use pomegranate seeds for garnish serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.
Required Tools
Large round platter or cheese board small saucepan (if making cranberry sauce) sharp knife cheese knives or spreaders
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.
Save This cranberry wreath platter is a delicious and visually stunning appetizer perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce for the wreath?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until the berries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Let it cool before arranging.
- → Can I prepare the platter ahead of time?
Prepare the cranberry sauce and slice cheeses in advance. Assemble the platter shortly before serving to keep fresh textures and flavors vibrant.
- → How can I adapt this platter for vegetarian guests?
Simply omit the prosciutto and salami, and consider adding extra cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and fullness.
- → What are good beverage pairings with this platter?
A crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the tart cranberry sauce and creamy cheeses perfectly, balancing rich and fresh flavors.
- → What nuts work best for garnish and texture?
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and warm, nutty notes that contrast nicely with the fruit and cheeses.