Description
Create a festive and visually stunning Candy Cane Charcuterie Board perfect for holiday gatherings. This arrangement features a colorful combination of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, and sweet treats, all artfully arranged to resemble a classic candy cane shape. Easy to assemble, it brings a mix of savory and sweet flavors ideal for sharing with 8 guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 2 oz. white cheddar, sliced (about ½ cup)
- 4 oz. goat cheese, roughly crumbled
- 2 oz. Monterey jack cheese, cubed (about ½ cup)
- 4 oz. mozzarella balls (cherry ‘ciliegine’ size, about ½ cup)
Meat
- 1 pepperoni link, sliced into disks
- 1 oz. dry salami, about 8 slices
Fruits & Snacks
- ½ cup raspberries, fresh
- 1 cup white chocolate-covered pretzels
- ½ cup cranberries, sugared or dried
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for decorating
Instructions
- Arrange White Cheddar: Place a 2-inch row of sliced white cheddar in the lower right corner of a medium-sized platter or board to form the base of the candy cane.
- Add Pepperoni Row: Immediately above the white cheddar, add a row of sliced pepperoni, creating the next stripe of the candy cane.
- Layer Goat Cheese and Raspberries: Continue the pattern by adding a row of crumbled goat cheese above the pepperoni, then a row of fresh raspberries, maintaining the striped candy cane look.
- Form Top Curve with Pretzels: Place the white chocolate-covered pretzels above the raspberries, arranging them with a slight curve towards the left to begin shaping the top hook of the candy cane.
- Add Cranberries: Position the sugared or dried cranberries next to the pretzels at the top center of the board, completing the curve of the candy cane’s hook.
- Complete Top with Monterey Jack Cheese: Add the cubed Monterey jack cheese next to the cranberries, curving the opposite way of the pretzels to outline the smaller side of the cane’s top.
- Fold and Add Salami: Fold the slices of dry salami and place them next to the Monterey jack cheese to continue the striped pattern.
- Finish with Mozzarella Balls: Add the mozzarella balls last to complete the candy cane shape and fill any gaps.
- Decorate with Rosemary: Garnish the board by adding small sprigs of fresh rosemary to add greenery and a festive aroma to your charcuterie display.
Notes
- Use a medium to large-sized platter or wooden board to have ample space for arranging the candy cane shape.
- Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or any soft cheese if preferred.
- For a sweeter touch, add mixed nuts or dried fruits around the edges of the board.
- Fresh rosemary not only decorates but also adds a subtle pine fragrance enhancing the holiday feel.
- Keep the fruits fresh by adding them just before serving to prevent drying out.
