Pin this A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday bow, featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and savory bites—perfect for entertaining.
Creating this holiday bow appetizer has become a treasured tradition in our family gatherings, always impressing guests with its festive look and variety.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g sharp cheddar, cubed, 120 g brie, sliced, 120 g gouda, cubed
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, thinly sliced, 100 g salami, thinly sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, 1 cup green grapes, 1 pomegranate, seeded, 1 apple, sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette, sliced, 150 g assorted crackers
- Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup marinated olives, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/3 cup honey or fig jam
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular or oval platter, lightly sketch the outline of a bow using parchment paper as a guide if desired.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cheeses along the loops and center of the bow, spacing for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Fold and layer the cured meats in gentle waves or rosettes next to the cheeses.
- Step 4:
- Fill in the bow with clusters of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices.
- Step 5:
- Place crackers and baguette slices around the edges or in the tails of the bow.
- Step 6:
- Add nuts, olives, and dried apricots in small piles throughout to create color and texture contrast.
- Step 7:
- Spoon honey or fig jam into a small bowl and nestle it into the platter.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately replenishing ingredients as needed.
Pin this This platter is always a hit at family holidays bringing everyone together with its colorful presentation and delicious options.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board sharp knife small bowls for jams and olives cheese knives or spreaders
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (almonds) Gluten (crackers baguette) May contain Sulfites (cured meats) possible cross-contamination in processed foods Always check product labels for allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 260 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 22 g Protein 10 g per serving approximately
Pin this This holiday bow appetizer is the perfect festive touch to any gathering ensuring a delightful experience for all guests.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How can I make this platter vegetarian?
Simply omit the cured meats and add extra cheeses, marinated vegetables, or hummus to maintain variety and richness.
- → What is the best way to arrange the platter?
Use a parchment paper outline of a bow as a guide, layer cheeses along the loops, fold meats into rosettes, and fill the center with fresh fruits and nuts for an attractive presentation.
- → Can this platter accommodate gluten-free needs?
Yes, substituting the crackers and baguette with gluten-free alternatives keeps the platter suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → Which wines pair well with this arrangement?
Light white wines and sparkling wines complement the combination of cheeses, fruits, and savory bites on this platter.
- → How long does the platter keep fresh?
Serve immediately for best freshness, but leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, preserving flavors and textures.