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 platter quickly became a staple at our holiday gatherings for its colorful appeal and variety of tastes.
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 the 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 the wreath base:
- On a large round platter or board , arrange the rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape as the base.
- Add cranberry sauce mounds:
- Spoon small mounds of cranberry sauce at intervals around the wreath.
- Arrange cheeses , meats , crackers , and bread:
- Arrange cheeses , meats (if using) , crackers , and bread slices in sections around the rosemary , alternating for visual appeal.
- Fill gaps 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 Enjoyed by family and friends , this platter always brings smiles and lively conversation at our holiday tables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors.
Storage Tips
Prepare the cranberry sauce ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the platter just before serving for freshness.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) , tree nuts (pecans walnuts) , and gluten (crackers bread). May contain sulfites (dried fruits , cured meats). Always check labels for allergens if uncertain.
Save This cranberry wreath platter is the perfect festive appetizer to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I make the cranberry sauce?
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before assembling.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cranberry sauce and slice cheeses and meats in advance. Assemble the platter just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness of the crackers and bread.
- → What vegetarian options are recommended?
Simply omit the prosciutto and salami and add additional cheeses or roasted vegetables to keep the platter colorful and flavorful.
- → What type of cheeses work best?
Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese provide a nice balance of creamy and tangy flavors, but you can substitute with your favorites or add blue cheese for extra depth.
- → How to arrange the platter attractively?
Start by laying rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape, then alternate dollops of cranberry sauce with sections of cheese, meats, crackers, and bread. Fill gaps with grapes, dried apricots, and toasted nuts for a lush appearance.