Candy Cane Zigzag Board (Print Version)

A vibrant board featuring mozzarella, salami, fruits, and herbs arranged in a candy cane shape for holiday fun.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7.05 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or bocconcini balls
02 - 3.53 oz goat cheese, optional, sliced or crumbled

→ Meats

03 - 7.05 oz dry-cured salami, sliced
04 - 3.53 oz prosciutto, optional, rolled

→ Accompaniments

05 - 3.53 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
07 - 1.76 oz pomegranate seeds for garnish
08 - 3.53 oz green or red grapes
09 - Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs for garnish

→ Crackers & Breads

10 - 5.29 oz assorted or gluten-free crackers
11 - 1 small baguette, sliced, optional

→ Dips & Spreads

12 - 1 small bowl whole-grain mustard or honey
13 - 1 small bowl cranberry chutney or fig jam

# Directions:

01 - On a large rectangular or oval serving board, arrange alternating overlapping slices of salami and mozzarella to form a bold, curving S-shape resembling a candy cane, starting at one corner and curving toward the center, then back out to the opposite side.
02 - Fill in the curve with additional goat cheese, if using, and rolled prosciutto to enhance color and texture.
03 - Position halved cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips alongside the red sections for vibrant, festive color.
04 - Distribute grapes, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herb sprigs evenly around the board to add visual interest and freshness.
05 - Arrange assorted or gluten-free crackers and optional baguette slices along the board’s edge or in a separate basket.
06 - Place small bowls of whole-grain mustard or honey and cranberry chutney or fig jam on or near the board.
07 - Tuck in sprigs of basil or rosemary for a festive holiday touch and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's pure showstopper magic—your guests will photograph it before they even think about eating it, and that moment of delighted surprise is worth every minute of arrangement.
  • Zero cooking required means you can prepare it while sipping mulled wine, which is exactly how holiday entertaining should feel.
  • It naturally accommodates every preference at the table, from vegetarians to charcuterie devotees, all on one festive board.
02 -
  • The most important lesson I learned the hard way is to slice your mozzarella and salami just before assembling—pre-sliced cheese dries out quickly and loses that silky appearance that makes the board stunning.
  • The candy cane shape doesn't have to be perfect to be striking. What matters is the intention behind it—people see the effort and the thought, and that's what makes them smile.
  • Keep your board at room temperature until the last moment before serving, and bring it out just minutes before guests arrive. Cold cheese is less flavorful, and room temperature brings out all the subtle complexity in your selection.
03 -
  • Invest in a sharp knife for slicing—it's the difference between beautiful, clean slices and torn, ragged edges that look tired before the party even begins.
  • The moment you finish arranging, take a photograph before anyone touches it. Not just because it's beautiful, but because you'll want to remember exactly how you created this little moment of magic.
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