Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holidays with the vibrant and inviting Jingle Bell Cheese Board, a festive spread that brings together a colorful medley of cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and delightful accompaniments. Perfect for any holiday gathering, this easy-to-assemble appetizer invites guests to nibble and mingle, creating warm moments around the table.
Save to Pinterest This cheese board is a feast for the eyes and the palate, balancing creamy, sharp, and tangy cheeses with sweet fruits and savory charcuterie. The addition of nuts, olives, and sweet spreads brings layers of flavor and a touch of festive elegance.
Ingredients
- Cheeses
- 150 g Brie cheese, whole wheel or wedge
- 150 g aged Cheddar, sliced
- 100 g blue cheese, crumbled or sliced
- 120 g goat cheese, log or rounds
- Charcuterie (optional for non-vegetarians)
- 100 g prosciutto
- 100 g salami, sliced
- Fruits
- 1 cup red grapes, washed
- 1 cup green grapes, washed
- 1 pomegranate, seeded
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 pear, sliced
- Nuts & Extras
- ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup marinated olives
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup fig jam
- Crackers & Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 150 g assorted crackers
- Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- 1. Arrange the cheeses on a large board or platter, spacing them out to allow room for other ingredients.
- 2. Lay out the charcuterie around the cheeses, folding the slices for visual appeal.
- 3. Add the fresh fruits, arranging them in clusters for color and contrast.
- 4. Fill in gaps with nuts, dried cranberries, and marinated olives.
- 5. Place honey and fig jam in small bowls and add them to the board.
- 6. Add bread slices and crackers in stacks or fanned out.
- 7. Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
- 8. Serve immediately, ensuring small cheese knives and spreaders are available.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To keep apple and pear slices fresh and prevent browning, toss them lightly with lemon juice before arranging. Folding charcuterie slices not only adds visual appeal but also makes serving easier. Using small bowls for honey and fig jam keeps the board neat and allows for easy dipping.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap out cheeses or charcuterie to match your preferences or dietary requirements. For a vegetarian option, omit meats and add extra fruits or nuts. Use star-shaped cookie cutters on cheese slices for a playful holiday touch that delights guests of all ages.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this festive cheese board with sparkling wine, Prosecco, or a holiday cocktail to enhance the celebratory mood. Provide small cheese knives and spreaders so guests can easily serve themselves, making your gathering relaxed and enjoyable.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the joyful spirit of the season with this easy, colorful, and customizable Jingle Bell Cheese Board. It’s more than just an appetizer—it’s a centerpiece that invites connection, flavor exploration, and festive cheer for all your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cheeses work best on this board?
Combining creamy Brie, sharp aged Cheddar, tangy blue cheese, and mild goat cheese creates a balanced range of flavors and textures.
- → How can I keep fruit slices from browning?
Toss apple and pear slices lightly with lemon juice before arranging to maintain fresh appearance and prevent browning.
- → What optional ingredients enhance this spread?
Charcuterie like prosciutto and salami add savory depth but can be omitted for vegetarian preferences.
- → How should I arrange the board for best presentation?
Place cheeses spaced out, layer meats folded nearby, arrange fruits in colorful clusters, and fill gaps with nuts and olives for visual appeal.
- → Which garnishes complement the flavors here?
Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs add aromatic and festive herbal notes enhancing both look and taste.
- → Are there suitable beverage pairings?
Pair this spread with sparkling wine, prosecco, or festive cocktails to complement the diverse flavors.