Save to Pinterest A festive and visually stunning appetizer board arranged in a wreath shape, featuring a delightful assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and accompaniments—perfect for effortless holiday entertaining.
This charcuterie wreath quickly became my go-to holiday appetizer because it looks impressive but is super easy to assemble.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g brie cheese, cut into wedges, 120 g cheddar cheese, cubed, 100 g goat cheese, sliced or rolled into balls
- Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, folded, 100 g salami, sliced, 100 g coppa or soppressata, folded
- Fruits & Vegetables: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 cup green grapes, 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish), 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced cucumber rounds
- Accompaniments: 1/2 cup marinated olives, 1/3 cup cornichons or gherkins, 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), 1 cup assorted crackers, Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and wreath effect), Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Board:
- Place a large round board or platter on your work surface.
- Create Wreath Base:
- Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a circle along the outer edge of the board to create the base of your wreath.
- Arrange Cheeses:
- Layer the cheeses in clusters around the wreath, spacing them evenly.
- Add Meats:
- Fold and arrange cured meats in small bundles or rosettes and nestle them between the cheese clusters.
- Add Fruits & Vegetables:
- Scatter grapes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, and pomegranate seeds around the wreath, filling in gaps and adding color.
- Add Accompaniments:
- Place small piles of olives, cornichons, and nuts throughout the wreath.
- Garnish:
- Tuck fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs in for festive color and aroma.
- Add Crackers:
- Arrange crackers in small stacks or fan shapes around the board, ensuring easy access.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around the board with family and friends to assemble and enjoy this wreath is a treasured holiday tradition in our home.
Variations
Try different cheese combinations or seasonal fruits to customize the wreath to your taste and the occasion.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Add crackers fresh when serving for best texture.
Pairings
This appetizer pairs beautifully with sparkling wine like Prosecco or a light red to complement the flavors.
Save to Pinterest This charcuterie wreath brings festive cheer with minimal effort and maximum wow factor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses work best for this wreath?
Soft and semi-hard cheeses like brie, cheddar, and goat cheese provide creamy and varied textures perfect for layering and pairing.
- → Can I make this wreath vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit cured meats and add extra cheese, grilled vegetables, or falafel bites to maintain variety and texture.
- → How should I arrange the ingredients for the best presentation?
Start with a base of fresh rosemary sprigs forming a circle, then place cheese clusters evenly, folding cured meats into rosettes, and scatter fruits and nuts to fill gaps creating a colorful, balanced display.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this board?
Light and bubbly drinks like sparkling wine or Prosecco complement the salty cured meats and creamy cheeses beautifully.
- → How far in advance can I prepare this wreath?
It's best served fresh, but you can assemble it up to a few hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate to keep ingredients fresh.
- → Are there allergy considerations to keep in mind?
This board contains milk, tree nuts, gluten from crackers, and sulfites in cured meats and olives. Always check labels and offer substitutions if necessary.