Pin 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 been a holiday staple at my family gatherings bringing color flavor and joy every year.
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 wreath base:
- 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.
Pin This platter always brings family together around the table sharing stories and laughter during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Variations
Add blue cheese for a sharper flavor or swap dried apricots with pomegranate seeds for color and texture.
Pin This makes a stunning centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks perfect for any festive celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce?
Simmer cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest for 8–10 minutes until thickened, then let cool completely.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add extra cheese or roasted vegetables for variety.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese provide a creamy and tangy flavor contrast.
- → How should I arrange the platter for the wreath look?
Place rosemary sprigs in a circle as the base, then layer cranberries, cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, and nuts in sections around it.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this platter?
Crisp white wine or sparkling cider complement the tangy and savory flavors beautifully.