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 has become a holiday favorite in my family, loved for its beautiful arrangement and delicious variety.
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:
- 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, 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 to Pinterest This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings, bringing everyone together around its beautiful and tasty presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the tangy and savory flavors on the platter.
Variations
Swap out cheeses for your favorites or add blue cheese for extra flavor. Use pomegranate seeds for extra holiday flair.
Storage Tips
Prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time and refrigerate. Assemble platter just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Save to Pinterest This cranberry wreath platter makes any occasion feel special with its festive look and delightful flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until the berries burst and the sauce thickens, then cool completely before serving.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add extra cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What cheeses work best for this platter?
Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese offer a balance of creamy and sharp flavors that complement the cranberry sauce and accompaniments.
- → How should I arrange the platter for the best presentation?
Use rosemary sprigs to form a circular wreath base, then alternate cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits around it to create visual appeal with varied textures and colors.
- → What tools do I need for preparation?
A large round platter or cheese board, small saucepan for the cranberry sauce, and sharp knives for slicing cheeses and meats are required.