Save A festive, wintry-themed grazing tray featuring a beautiful selection of cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits, nuts, and sweet treats—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This tray quickly became a holiday favorite every year in my family's celebrations.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese, sliced, 150 g aged Cheddar, cubed, 120 g blue cheese, crumbled, 100 g goat cheese, log sliced into rounds
- Charcuterie (optional for vegetarian version, omit): 120 g prosciutto, 100 g salami, sliced, 100 g smoked turkey breast, sliced
- Seasonal Fruits: 1 cup red grapes, washed and halved, 1 cup green grapes, washed, 1 large pomegranate, seeded, 2 pears, sliced, 1 apple, sliced, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Nuts & Savory Snacks: 1/2 cup roasted almonds, 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/2 cup pistachios (shelled), 1/2 cup marinated olives
- Sweet Treats: 100 g white chocolate bark, broken into pieces, 100 g dark chocolate squares, 1/2 cup mini meringues
- Crackers & Bread: 200 g assorted crackers, 1 small baguette, sliced, 1/2 cup breadsticks
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Choose a large wooden board or platter as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange cheese selections evenly around the board, spacing them apart for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Fold or roll charcuterie slices and place them in clusters beside cheeses (omit for vegetarian version).
- Step 4:
- Fill in spaces with fresh and dried fruits, fanning out slices for color and accessibility.
- Step 5:
- Add nuts, olives, and sweet treats in small piles or in decorative bowls.
- Step 6:
- Position crackers, baguette slices, and breadsticks in rows or stacks around the board edges.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and edible flowers for a wintery touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 1 hour in advance).
Save This grazing tray always brings everyone together around the table to share stories and laughter during the holidays.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, Small bowls (for olives, nuts, or spreads), Cheese knives, Small tongs or forks
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese, chocolate), Tree nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios), Gluten (crackers, bread), Eggs (meringues, possibly in some breads/crackers). Meats are present (charcuterie) unless omitted. Always check labels for gluten, nut, or dairy cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories approximately 380, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 13 g per serving (based on 10 servings including meat and cheese).
Save This grazing tray offers an effortless way to impress guests and enjoy a festive, flavorful spread.
Kitchen Guide
- → What are good vegetarian alternatives for the charcuterie?
Omit the meats and include extra cheeses, roasted vegetables, or marinated olives for a satisfying vegetarian spread.
- → How should the tray be stored before serving?
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to an hour before serving to keep ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant.
- → Can I prepare the tray in advance?
Yes, assemble the tray shortly before serving to maintain freshness, or prep ingredients separately and arrange later.
- → What beverages pair well with this winter tray?
Crisp white wines or light-bodied reds complement the mix of cheeses, fruits, and nuts beautifully.
- → How to keep fruit slices from browning?
Lightly brush fruit slices with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain a fresh appearance.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers add a festive, wintery touch while boosting aroma.