Save to Pinterest A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served this at a holiday party and everyone loved the creative use of charcuterie arranged like a gingerbread man.
Ingredients
- Meats: 6 slices prosciutto 6 slices salami 6 slices smoked turkey breast
- Cheeses: 100 g cheddar cheese, sliced 100 g Swiss cheese, sliced 100 g goat cheese, crumbled
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips 1 small cucumber, sliced 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium carrot, cut into sticks 1/4 cup black olives, sliced 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens
- Crackers & Extras: 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers (or regular, as preferred) 2 tbsp whole grain mustard 2 tbsp fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or platter, use a gingerbread man-shaped outline (drawn on parchment or a large cookie cutter) as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the meats to outline the gingerbread man shape, layering prosciutto, salami, and turkey to form the arms, legs, and head.
- Step 3:
- Fill in the body with sliced cheeses, alternating colors and textures.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives for buttons, cherry tomato halves for cheeks, cucumber slices for hands and feet, and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle goat cheese to resemble icing along the arms and legs.
- Step 6:
- Surround the figure with crackers, vegetable sticks, arugula, and remaining cheese and meats for easy access.
- Step 7:
- Serve with mustard and fig jam on the side.
Save to Pinterest This platter sparked joy and laughter at our family gathering making the holiday feel extra special.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional) Small bowls (for spreads)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (crackers—choose gluten-free for dietary needs) Contains processed meats (check for added allergens) Check all labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 210 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 9 g Protein: 13 g
Save to Pinterest This gingerbread man charcuterie platter is sure to impress and delight your guests with minimal effort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What meats are used for the savory figure?
Prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast are layered to form the outline and structure.
- → Which cheeses complement the platter best?
Cheddar, Swiss, and crumbled goat cheese provide varied textures and flavors.
- → Can the platter be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free crackers and ensuring no cross-contamination with gluten-containing items.
- → What vegetables enhance the presentation?
Red bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, and baby arugula add color and freshness.
- → Are there options for vegetarians?
Meats can be substituted with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices for a plant-based alternative.
- → How can smaller pieces be secured in place?
Using hummus or soft cheese helps pieces stick better on the platter.