Save A festive and visually stunning platter featuring a delightful assortment of cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, and nuts, all arranged in a star shape—perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
I enjoy creating this star-shaped appetizer board for holiday parties because it never fails to impress guests and offers something for everyone.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 120 g Brie sliced into wedges, 120 g Aged Cheddar cubed, 120 g Manchego sliced
- Charcuterie: 80 g Prosciutto folded, 80 g Salami rolled
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes halved, 1 cup strawberries halved, 1 small apple thinly sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1 small baguette sliced
- Nuts & Condiments: ½ cup roasted almonds, ½ cup walnuts, ¼ cup green olives, ¼ cup fig jam or honey
- Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Place a large star-shaped board or use parchment paper to outline a star shape on a flat platter.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheese selections evenly along the stars points and inner arms for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Layer charcuterie slices in gentle folds or rolls between the cheeses, maintaining the star outline.
- Step 4:
- Fill gaps with fruits, placing them in small clusters for color contrast.
- Step 5:
- Add crackers and baguette slices around and within the star, ensuring easy access.
- Step 6:
- Scatter nuts and olives throughout, filling remaining spaces and adding texture.
- Step 7:
- Serve fig jam or honey in a small bowl on the board or to the side.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately, ensuring all items are at room temperature for best flavor.
Save This appetizer board always brings family and friends together around the table sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage. Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
Required Tools
Large star-shaped board or template Sharp knife Small bowls (for jams, olives, etc) Serving tongs or toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy tree nuts gluten (in bread and some crackers) and may contain sulfites (in cured meats and olives) Always check ingredient labels for allergens if serving guests with sensitivities
Save This star-shaped appetizer board is a perfect holiday addition that delights all your guests.
Common Questions
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Soft wedges like Brie, firm cubes such as aged Cheddar, and flavorful slices like Manchego create a balanced and appealing variety.
- → Can I omit charcuterie for dietary needs?
Absolutely. Replace cured meats with marinated vegetables or extra cheeses to maintain variety and flavor balance.
- → How should I prepare fruits to keep the board fresh?
Wash and halve grapes and strawberries, thinly slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, and arrange promptly.
- → What are some good accompaniments to serve alongside?
Crackers and sliced baguette offer crunch, while fig jam or honey adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the savory components.
- → How do I maintain the star shape when arranging?
Use a star-shaped board or outline the shape on parchment paper to guide even placement of cheeses, meats, and other ingredients along the star’s points and arms.
- → Are there allergen concerns to be aware of?
This spread includes dairy, tree nuts, and gluten from bread and crackers; please check all ingredients for sensitivities before serving.