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Appetizer Wreath Recipe: Easy Holiday Party Platter for Gatherings

appetizer wreath - featured image

This festive appetizer wreath is a colorful, crowd-pleasing party platter featuring cheeses, cured meats, fresh veggies, fruits, and dips arranged in a stunning holiday wreath shape. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for gatherings all season long.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (enough to circle your platter)
  • Flat-leaf parsley (optional, for extra fullness)
  • 1 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls (about 5 oz)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes (about 5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, rolled into small balls (about 2.5 oz)
  • Optional: Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Gouda cubes
  • 1215 slices thinly sliced salami (about 3.5 oz)
  • 68 slices prosciutto (about 2.5 oz)
  • Optional: Capicola, turkey, or ham slices
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (about 5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup mini cucumber slices (about 2.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips (about 2.5 oz)
  • 1 cup seedless grapes, red and green (about 5 oz)
  • Optional: Baby carrots, snap peas, radish slices
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives, black and green (about 2.5 oz)
  • 1/4 cup whole almonds or toasted pecans (about 1.5 oz)
  • 1/4 cup mini pickles or cornichons (about 1.5 oz)
  • Optional: Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup hummus (about 4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup ranch or herbed yogurt dip (about 4 oz)
  • Optional: Pesto, spicy mustard, or honey for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry your serving platter or board. Arrange small bowls for dips around the edge, leaving space for the wreath.
  2. Lay fresh rosemary sprigs in a circular shape, overlapping ends to make a full wreath. Tuck in parsley for extra fullness if desired.
  3. Scatter mozzarella balls evenly around the wreath. Add cheddar, goat cheese balls, and any other cheese cubes, spacing them out for color contrast.
  4. Fold or roll salami and prosciutto into bite-sized pieces. Nestle them between cheese clusters.
  5. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and grapes throughout the wreath. Fill gaps with carrots or radishes if using.
  6. Add olives, nuts, pickles, and any other extras. Scatter dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for sparkle.
  7. Fill bowls with hummus, ranch, or your favorite dips. Place them at clock positions to balance the wreath visually.
  8. Check for empty spots and fill with extra herbs or veggies. The wreath should look full, colorful, and easy to pick from.
  9. Add mini tongs or toothpicks for easy grabbing. If prepping ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Customize with your favorite cheeses, meats, and veggies. For vegetarian or vegan, skip meats and use plant-based cheeses. Prep cheeses and veggies ahead for easy assembly. Refresh wilted veggies in ice water before using. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday appetizer, party platter, cheese wreath, festive snack, Christmas appetizer, easy entertaining, charcuterie board, gluten-free appetizer, vegetarian option, crowd-pleaser