Save A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday wreath featuring tangy cranberry sauce creamy cheeses savory meats and crisp accompaniments perfect for entertaining
This recipe has become a holiday favorite at family gatherings bringing color flavor and joy to the table
Ingredients
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup orange juice 1 tsp orange zest
- Cheeses: 150 g (5 oz) brie sliced 150 g (5 oz) sharp white cheddar cubed 120 g (4 oz) goat cheese formed into small rounds
- Meats (optional for non-vegetarian platter): 100 g (3.5 oz) prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g (3.5 oz) salami sliced
- Crackers & Bread: 100 g (3.5 oz) water crackers 1 baguette sliced and toasted
- Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan combine cranberries sugar orange juice and zest Bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens about 8 10 minutes Let cool completely
- Arrange Rosemary Wreath:
- On a large round platter or board arrange the rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape as the base
- Add Cranberry Mounds:
- Spoon small mounds of cranberry sauce at intervals around the wreath
- Arrange Ingredients:
- Arrange cheeses meats (if using) crackers and bread slices in sections around the rosemary alternating for visual appeal
- Fill with Fruits and Nuts:
- Tuck grapes dried apricots and nuts between the cheeses and meats to fill gaps and create a lush full appearance
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and serve immediately
Save Making this platter has created wonderful family moments especially during festive seasons when everyone gathers to celebrate
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors and enhance the festive mood
Storage Tips
Cranberry sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week Keep crackers and bread separate until serving to maintain crispness
Variations
Replace meats with roasted vegetables for a fully vegetarian platter Add pomegranate seeds for extra holiday flair
Save This cranberry wreath platter adds a festive touch to any gathering making entertaining beautiful and delicious
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How is the cranberry sauce prepared?
Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until thickened and fully cooled before arranging on the platter.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and increase cheese or add roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → What cheeses are ideal for this platter?
Soft brie, sharp white cheddar, and creamy goat cheese rounds provide a mix of textures and flavors.
- → Which accompaniments complement the main ingredients?
Water crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh grapes, dried apricots, and toasted pecans or walnuts create balance and variety.
- → How should the platter be arranged?
Use rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath base, then alternate spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits around it for visual appeal.