Save A festive and visually stunning platter featuring a delightful assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and nuts, all arranged in a star shape—perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
This appetizer board is my go-to for holiday parties because it looks elegant yet requires minimal effort and no cooking.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g Brie, sliced into wedges, 120 g Aged Cheddar, cubed, 120 g Manchego, sliced
- Charcuterie: 80 g Prosciutto, folded, 80 g Salami, rolled
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, halved, 1 cup strawberries, halved, 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1 small baguette, sliced
- Nuts & Condiments: ½ cup roasted almonds, ½ cup walnuts, ¼ cup green olives, ¼ cup fig jam or honey
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place a large star-shaped board or use parchment paper to outline a star shape on a flat platter.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheese selections evenly along the stars points and inner arms for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Layer charcuterie slices in gentle folds or rolls between the cheeses, maintaining the star outline.
- Step 4:
- Fill gaps with fruits, placing them in small clusters for color contrast.
- Step 5:
- Add crackers and baguette slices around and within the star, ensuring easy access.
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts and olives throughout, filling remaining spaces and adding texture.
- Step 7:
- Serve fig jam or honey in a small bowl on the board or to the side.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, ensuring all items are at room temperature for best flavor.
Save Our family loves gathering around this star-shaped board; it always brings joy and sparkles to our celebrations.
Required Tools
Large star-shaped board or template, sharp knife, small bowls (for jams, olives, etc), serving tongs or toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy, tree nuts, gluten (in bread and some crackers), and may contain sulfites (in cured meats and olives). Always check ingredient labels for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 290, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 13 g per serving
Save This star-shaped appetizer board is a showstopper and perfect for easy entertaining any time of year.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the cheeses fresh on the board?
Keep cheeses refrigerated until just before serving and arrange them on the board shortly beforehand to maintain freshness and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the meats for vegetarian options?
Yes, you can replace charcuterie with marinated vegetables or additional cheese varieties to suit vegetarian preferences.
- → What is the best way to arrange the fruits for visual impact?
Cluster small fruits like grapes and halved strawberries in groups to add vibrant pops of color around the cheeses and meats.
- → Are there tips for balancing flavors on the platter?
Include a mix of creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy elements—such as soft cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and fig jam—for a balanced taste experience.
- → How should I serve the jams or honey on the board?
Place fig jam or honey in small bowls on or beside the board to allow easy dipping and pairing with cheeses and nuts.