Save to Pinterest 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 was a big hit at our holiday party, bringing variety and color that impressed all our guests.
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 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.
- Fill gaps with 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 to Pinterest This recipe has become a tradition in our family holidays, enjoyed by all ages together.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving with meats: Calories 240, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 23 g, Protein 8 g
Save to Pinterest The cranberry wreath platter offers an effortless yet elegant option to impress guests with seasonal flavors and festive presentation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until the berries burst and the mixture thickens, then cool completely before plating.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cranberry sauce and slice cheeses and meats in advance. Assemble the platter shortly before serving to keep freshness and textures.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese complement the tart cranberry sauce and provide a range of creamy and tangy flavors.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Simply skip the meats and add extra cheese varieties or roasted vegetables to keep the platter flavorful and varied.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Serve with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh fruits like grapes, as well as nuts and rosemary for garnish and added texture.