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 platter has become my go-to for Christmas parties because it’s easy to assemble yet always gets compliments.
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
- Arrange tree outline:
- On a large serving board or platter, arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape to outline the tree.
- Build layers:
- Starting at the base, alternate rows of cheese cubes, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, creating colorful horizontal lines that fill the tree shape.
- Add star top:
- Place the starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese at the top of the tree as a decorative star.
- Fill gaps:
- Fill gaps with grapes, pomegranate seeds, and nuts for extra color and texture.
- Add base:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers along the base as the tree trunk.
- Chill and serve:
- Chill until ready to serve, and present with small serving forks or cocktail picks.
Save This recipe always brings my family together and sparks joy during the holidays.
Notes
For a vegetarian option omit charcuterie and try different cheeses such as Emmental Roquefort or Camembert. For gluten-free variations use suitable crackers or bread. Wine pairing suggestions include crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as 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 guests with allergies.
Save With a bit of creativity this appetizer tree makes any holiday gathering extra special and delicious.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the tree shape for the platter?
Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape on your serving board to outline the tree before layering other ingredients inside.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this platter?
Yes, simply omit charcuterie and add more cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What are some good cheese alternatives for this platter?
Try Emmental, Roquefort, or Camembert to add diverse tastes and textures.
- → How can I make the platter gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers or bread instead of the traditional baguette and assorted crackers.
- → What wine pairs well with this platter?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the variety of flavors nicely.
- → What garnishes are used to enhance the festive presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs act as tree branches, and a starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese is placed atop as a decorative star.