Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with a stunning and delicious Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter. This vibrant treasure trove of cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, nuts, and savory nibbles is artfully arranged in the shape of a festive tree, making it the centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Its colorful layers and inviting textures offer a delightful way to share good cheer and great taste with family and friends.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer platter combines classic French-inspired flavors with the fresh bounty of the season. Arranged like a holiday tree, it invites guests to nibble and mingle, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose to include charcuterie or keep it vegetarian, this platter offers a bounty of tastes and colors that celebrate togetherness.
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
- 1. On a large serving board or platter, arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape to outline the tree.
- 2. Starting at the base, alternate rows of cheese cubes, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, creating colorful horizontal lines that fill the tree shape.
- 3. Place the starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese at the top of the tree as a decorative star.
- 4. Fill gaps with grapes, pomegranate seeds, and nuts for extra color and texture.
- 5. Arrange sliced baguette and crackers along the base as the tree trunk.
- 6. Chill until ready to serve, and present with small serving forks or cocktail picks.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take your time arranging the rows evenly for the most visually appealing tree. Use fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables to keep the platter looking lively and appetizing. Keep the platter chilled before serving to maintain freshness, especially if including charcuterie or soft cheeses.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the charcuterie and enrich the platter with additional cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert to add unique flavors. If gluten-free, substitute baguette and crackers with gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the diverse flavors of the platter. Present with small serving forks or cocktail picks for easy sharing, making it a perfect appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.
Save to Pinterest With its vibrant colors and delightful mix of tastes, the Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter is sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebration even more memorable. Enjoy the easy preparation, the festive spirit, and the shared joy that comes with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work well for this platter?
Soft and semi-hard cheeses like Brie, Comté, and goat cheese balance creamy and nutty flavors, perfect for layering and pairing with fruits.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Simply omit the charcuterie and add extra cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers to maintain variety and flavor.
- → Any tips for assembling the tree shape?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs to create a triangular outline. Layer ingredients in horizontal rows, starting from the base up, to fill the shape evenly.
- → What are some good accompaniments?
Sliced baguette and assorted crackers serve as the tree trunk, providing a crunchy contrast to soft cheeses and juicy fruits.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Arrange all components just before serving for freshness, but prep and slice items ahead to save time during gatherings.