Nordic Reindeer Charcuterie Platter

Featured in: Quick Cozy Plates

This Nordic charcuterie board showcases thinly sliced smoked reindeer and salami paired with a selection of artisan cheeses such as aged Gouda, blue cheese, and soft goat cheese. Complemented by pickled mushrooms, lingonberry jam, mustard, and crunchy rye crisps or gluten-free crackers, the platter offers a balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors. Fresh dill and microgreens add brightness, while apple slices and walnuts contribute texture. Ideal for effortless entertaining with minimal preparation time.

Substitutions include smoked venison or beef for the meat elements, and roasted root vegetables plus smoked tofu for a vegetarian twist. Pair with crisp white wine or Scandinavian aquavit to complete the experience.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:38:09 GMT
Reindeer Charcuterie Platter, a visually stunning appetizer arranged with cured meats, cheeses, and garnishes. Save
Reindeer Charcuterie Platter, a visually stunning appetizer arranged with cured meats, cheeses, and garnishes. | sizzlebloom.com

Embrace the flavors of the Nordic wilderness with this Reindeer Charcuterie Platter, a sophisticated yet easy-to-assemble appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Featuring tender smoked reindeer, artisan cheeses, and traditional Scandinavian accompaniments, this platter invites guests to savor a taste of the north, beautifully arranged to delight both the eyes and palate.

Reindeer Charcuterie Platter, a visually stunning appetizer arranged with cured meats, cheeses, and garnishes. Save
Reindeer Charcuterie Platter, a visually stunning appetizer arranged with cured meats, cheeses, and garnishes. | sizzlebloom.com

This platter brings together the rich, smoky flavors of reindeer meats paired with an enticing variety of cheeses, pickled mushrooms, and sweet-tart lingonberry jam. The combination balances robust and delicate notes, making it ideal for winter celebrations or an elegant starter for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Cured Meats
    • 150 g thinly sliced smoked reindeer
    • 100 g reindeer salami, sliced
  • Cheeses
    • 100 g aged Gouda, sliced
    • 100 g blue cheese, crumbled
    • 100 g soft goat cheese, cut into rounds
  • Accompaniments
    • 100 g pickled mushrooms
    • 100 g lingonberry jam
    • 60 g cornichons
    • 40 g whole grain mustard
    • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 apple, cored and sliced
    • 1 handful walnuts
    • 1 handful rye crisps or gluten-free crackers
    • Fresh dill or microgreens, for garnish

Instructions

1.
Arrange the smoked reindeer and reindeer salami in folds or rolls on a large serving board.
2.
Place the cheeses in separate areas, allowing space for slicing and serving.
3.
Add pickled mushrooms, lingonberry jam, cornichons, mustard, and red onion in small bowls or clusters around the board.
4.
Fan out the apple slices and scatter walnuts between the meats and cheeses.
5.
Add rye crisps or gluten-free crackers near the edges for easy access.
6.
Garnish with fresh dill or microgreens before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Use a large wooden serving board or platter to create an inviting display. Small bowls help contain jams and condiments neatly. A cheese knife will allow guests to easily portion the cheeses, while serving forks or toothpicks make selecting meats and accompaniments simple and hygienic.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If reindeer meat is unavailable, substitute with smoked venison or beef for a similar taste experience. For a vegetarian version, replace the meats with roasted root vegetables and smoked tofu, maintaining the platter's hearty and savory character.

Serviervorschläge

Pair this platter with a crisp white wine or traditional Scandinavian aquavit to complement the rich and tangy flavors. Arrange for casual sharing at parties or as an elegant appetizer to start a festive meal.

Artfully arranged Reindeer Charcuterie Platter boasting rich smoked reindeer and vibrant pickled mushroom accents for a party. Save
Artfully arranged Reindeer Charcuterie Platter boasting rich smoked reindeer and vibrant pickled mushroom accents for a party. | sizzlebloom.com

This Reindeer Charcuterie Platter brings together simplicity and sophistication, embodying the spirit of Scandinavian cuisine in every bite. Whether for a festive holiday or an intimate gathering, it invites sharing and celebration around a beautifully curated board.

Common Questions

What are good substitutes for reindeer meat?

Smoked venison or beef can be used as alternatives if reindeer is unavailable, offering a similar rich and smoky flavor profile.

Which cheeses pair well on this platter?

Aged Gouda, blue cheese, and soft goat cheese provide a variety of textures and flavors that complement the cured meats beautifully.

How can I make this platter gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers instead of rye crisps and verify all packaged items for gluten content to keep the platter suitable for gluten-free diets.

What accompaniments enhance the platter?

Pickled mushrooms, lingonberry jam, cornichons, mustard, apple slices, walnuts, and fresh herbs like dill bring balance and contrast to the meats and cheeses.

How long does preparation take?

Preparation is minimal, roughly 20 minutes, as no cooking is required—just arranging all components attractively on a serving board.

What beverages pair well with this platter?

Crisp white wines or traditional Scandinavian aquavit complement the flavors and enhance enjoyment of the platter.

Nordic Reindeer Charcuterie Platter

A Nordic platter featuring smoked reindeer, aged cheeses, and lingonberry jam with nuts and crisp accompaniments.

Setup Duration
20 min
0
Complete Duration
20 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Quick Cozy Plates

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Scandinavian

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

Components

Cured Meats

01 5.3 oz thinly sliced smoked reindeer
02 3.5 oz reindeer salami, sliced

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz aged Gouda, sliced
02 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
03 3.5 oz soft goat cheese, cut into rounds

Accompaniments

01 3.5 oz pickled mushrooms
02 3.5 oz lingonberry jam
03 2.1 oz cornichons
04 1.4 oz whole grain mustard
05 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 1 apple, cored and sliced
07 1 handful walnuts
08 1 handful rye crisps or gluten-free crackers
09 Fresh dill or microgreens, for garnish

Method Steps

Phase 01

Arrange Meats: Place the smoked reindeer and reindeer salami in folds or rolls on a large serving platter.

Phase 02

Position Cheeses: Distribute the aged Gouda, blue cheese, and soft goat cheese in separate areas on the board, allowing space for slicing and serving.

Phase 03

Add Condiments: Arrange pickled mushrooms, lingonberry jam, cornichons, whole grain mustard, and thinly sliced red onion in small bowls or clusters around the platter.

Phase 04

Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Fan out the apple slices and scatter walnuts intermittently between the meats and cheeses.

Phase 05

Include Crisp Elements: Place rye crisps or gluten-free crackers near the edges of the platter for easy access.

Phase 06

Garnish and Serve: Finish with a garnish of fresh dill or microgreens before presenting.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large wooden serving board or platter
  • Small bowls for jams and condiments
  • Cheese knife
  • Serving forks or toothpicks

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (walnuts), and mustard.
  • Rye crisps may contain gluten; opt for gluten-free crackers if needed.
  • Check all packaged items for allergen information.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 19 g