Christmas Hors d'oeuvre Platter with Meats and Cheeses 🎄🧀

This festive platter is a delightful combination of savory meats and artisanal cheeses, perfect for holiday gatherings. It's easy to assemble and can be customized to include your favorite ingredients. Bring a touch of elegance to your holiday celebrations with this stunning hors d'oeuvre spread that's sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

For the platter

• 8 ounces of prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of salami, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of aged cheddar cheese, cubed
• 8 ounces of brie cheese, sliced
• 8 ounces of goat cheese, served with honey
• 1 cup of mixed olives (green, black, and kalamata)
• 1 cup of assorted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1 cup of dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, and figs)
• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish

Optional accompaniments

• Whole grain mustard
• Fig jam
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Select a large wooden board or a platter to arrange your ingredients. Start by placing small bowls for olives, nuts, and dried fruits on the board.

2. Arrange the meats: Layer the sliced prosciutto, salami, and turkey breast around the bowls. You can roll or fan them for a more visually appealing presentation.

3. Add the cheeses: Place the cubed cheddar, sliced brie, and goat cheese on the platter. Drizzle the goat cheese with honey to add a touch of sweetness.

4. Fill in the gaps: Scatter the mixed olives, nuts, and dried fruits around the board, ensuring a colorful and varied look.

5. Add the baguette: Arrange the sliced baguette around the edge of the platter. You can lightly toast these slices for added texture!

6. Garnish: Finish off the platter by placing sprigs of fresh herbs throughout for a festive touch and to enhance the aroma.

🎊 This platter can be made in advance, so consider preparing it a few hours ahead of your gathering to allow the flavors to meld!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Exclude the meats and add more varieties of cheese, marinated vegetables, or grilled artichokes for a delicious vegetarian option. 🥕
• Spicy: Include some spicy chorizo or pepper jack cheese to add a kick to your platter!
• Artisanal Cheeses: Swap out the cheeses for local varieties from your favorite cheese shop to support local businesses.
• Gluten-free: Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables for dipping in place of the baguette.

🍷 Pair this platter with your favorite wine, such as a light red or sparkling wine, to elevate the whole experience. Enjoy the festivities!