Flickering Fire Log Snack

Featured in: Sweet Orchard-Inspired Treats

This snack board offers a warm, inviting presentation inspired by a crackling fire log. It combines smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and brie cheeses with optional prosciutto and salami, arranged on breadsticks and pretzel rods that simulate fire logs. Sweet and colorful elements like dried apricots, cranberries, red grapes, gummy candies, and dried mango strips create a flame-like effect, while sliced peppers and carrot sticks add crunch and brightness. Nuts and crackers are scattered for easy grazing, and rosemary sprigs and edible flowers add a festive touch, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:14:00 GMT
Flickering Fire Log Snack Board, a colorful appetizer with cheeses, fruits, and "flames" of gummy candies. Save to Pinterest
Flickering Fire Log Snack Board, a colorful appetizer with cheeses, fruits, and "flames" of gummy candies. | orchardbowl.com

A cozy, visually stunning snack board inspired by the warmth of a crackling fire, featuring a medley of sweet and savory treats arranged to resemble a flickering fire log. Perfect for gatherings or a festive night in.

I love assembling this snack board because it brings warmth and joy to any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures always impresses my guests and sparks great conversations.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 100 g smoked gouda sliced into log shapes, 100 g sharp cheddar sliced, 100 g brie cut into wedges
  • Meats (optional): 75 g prosciutto, 75 g spicy salami
  • Breads & Crackers: 1 cup breadsticks to mimic fire logs, 1 cup multigrain crackers, 1 cup pretzel rods
  • Fruits & Nuts: 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup red grapes, 1/3 cup roasted almonds, 1/3 cup candied pecans
  • Vegetables: 1/2 cup mini sweet peppers sliced, 1/2 cup carrot sticks
  • Sweet Elements (for flames): 1/2 cup orange and red gummy candies e.g. gummy bears, fruit slices, 1/2 cup dried mango strips
  • Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble pine needles, Edible flowers optional for color

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large wooden board or platter arrange breadsticks and pretzel rods in the center to mimic stacked fire logs.
Step 2:
Layer sliced cheeses and meats if using around and over the logs to add volume and interest.
Step 3:
Place red grapes, dried apricots, cranberries, mango strips, and orange/red gummies above the logs to create a flame-like effect.
Step 4:
Tuck in sliced sweet peppers and carrot sticks among the flames for extra color and crunch.
Step 5:
Scatter crackers, nuts, and candied pecans around the edges for easy grazing.
Step 6:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
Step 7:
Serve immediately and encourage guests to enjoy the snack board with their favorite drinks.
This inviting, edible Flickering Fire Log Snack Board features cheeses, grapes, and sweet-and-savory elements. Save to Pinterest
This inviting, edible Flickering Fire Log Snack Board features cheeses, grapes, and sweet-and-savory elements. | orchardbowl.com

This snack board always brings my family together for cozy nights. Sharing it brings smiles and lasting memories around the table.

Required Tools

Large wooden serving board or platter, Cheese knives, Small bowls for nuts or candies optional

Allergen Information

Contains Milk cheese, Tree nuts almonds pecans, Wheat crackers breadsticks, Soy in some processed snacks, Pork if using prosciutto salami. Always check individual product labels for allergen statements.

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 320, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 34 g, Protein 12 g

Imagine a festive Flickering Fire Log Snack Board: perfect for sharing, with pretzels, fruit, and rosemary sprigs. Save to Pinterest
Imagine a festive Flickering Fire Log Snack Board: perfect for sharing, with pretzels, fruit, and rosemary sprigs. | orchardbowl.com

This snack board is a feast for the eyes and palate a perfect centerpiece for any cozy get-together.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cheeses work best for this snack board?

Smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and brie are ideal due to their contrasting textures and flavors that complement the board's aesthetic.

Can this board be made vegan?

Yes, swap traditional cheeses for plant-based alternatives and omit the meats to keep it plant-friendly.

How can I replicate the fire log look effectively?

Arrange breadsticks and pretzel rods stacked at the center to mimic logs, then layer cheeses and meats around to add volume.

What fruits add to the flame effect?

Dried apricots, cranberries, red grapes, gummy candies, and dried mango strips create vibrant, flame-like colors.

Are there gluten-free options for this board?

Substitute breadsticks and crackers with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs.

What garnishes enhance the visual appeal?

Fresh rosemary sprigs mimic pine needles, while edible flowers add bright, festive color.

Flickering Fire Log Snack

A cozy snack board featuring cheeses, meats, fruits, and sweets arranged to resemble a flickering fire.

Prep Time
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Sophie Alden


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz smoked gouda, sliced into log shapes
02 3.5 oz sharp cheddar, sliced
03 3.5 oz brie, cut into wedges

Meats (optional)

01 2.6 oz prosciutto
02 2.6 oz spicy salami

Breads & Crackers

01 1 cup breadsticks (to mimic fire logs)
02 1 cup multigrain crackers
03 1 cup pretzel rods

Fruits & Nuts

01 ½ cup dried apricots
02 ½ cup dried cranberries
03 1 cup red grapes
04 ⅓ cup roasted almonds
05 ⅓ cup candied pecans

Vegetables

01 ½ cup mini sweet peppers, sliced
02 ½ cup carrot sticks

Sweet Elements (for flames)

01 ½ cup orange and red gummy candies (e.g., gummy bears, fruit slices)
02 ½ cup dried mango strips

Garnishes

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine needles)
02 Edible flowers (optional, for color)

How To Make It

Step 01

Arrange base logs: Place breadsticks and pretzel rods centrally on a large wooden board or platter to simulate stacked fire logs.

Step 02

Layer cheeses and meats: Surround and overlay the logs with sliced cheeses and meats (if using) to create volume and texture.

Step 03

Create flame effect: Distribute red grapes, dried apricots, cranberries, dried mango strips, and orange/red gummy candies above the logs to mimic flickering flames.

Step 04

Add vegetables: Nestle sliced mini sweet peppers and carrot sticks among the flames for vibrant color and crunch.

Step 05

Arrange crackers and nuts: Scatter multigrain crackers, roasted almonds, and candied pecans around the edges for easy snacking.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Top with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive presentation; serve immediately with preferred beverages.

Equipment Needed

  • Large wooden serving board or platter
  • Cheese knives
  • Small bowls (optional for nuts or candies)

Allergy Warnings

Review all components for possible allergens and seek medical guidance if needed.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds, pecans), wheat (crackers, breadsticks), soy (in some processed snacks), and pork (if prosciutto or salami are used). Check individual product labels.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

Details here are for your reference and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Total Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 12 grams