Cranberry Wreath Platter

A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday wreath, featuring tangy cranberry sauce, creamy cheeses, savory meats, and crisp accompaniments — perfect for entertaining.

This platter is always a hit at our holiday gatherings and is surprisingly simple to assemble.

Ingredients

• Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest
• Cheeses: 150 g (5 oz) brie sliced, 150 g (5 oz) sharp white cheddar cubed, 120 g (4 oz) goat cheese formed into small rounds
• Meats (optional for non-vegetarian platter): 100 g (3.5 oz) prosciutto thinly sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) salami sliced
• Crackers & Bread: 100 g (3.5 oz) water crackers, 1 baguette sliced and toasted
• Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the cranberry sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens about 8 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

Arrange rosemary sprigs:

On a large round platter or board, arrange the rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape as the base.

Add cranberry sauce:

Spoon small mounds of cranberry sauce at intervals around the wreath.

Arrange cheeses meats crackers and bread:

Arrange cheeses meats (if using), crackers, and bread slices in sections around the rosemary, alternating for visual appeal.

Add fruits and nuts:

Tuck grapes, dried apricots, and nuts between the cheeses and meats to fill gaps and create a lush, full appearance.

Garnish and serve:

Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and serve immediately.

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This recipe brings family and friends together around the table every holiday season.

Notes

For extra holiday flair, use pomegranate seeds for garnish. Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.

Required Tools

Large round platter or cheese board , Small saucepan (if making cranberry sauce) , Sharp knife , Cheese knives or spreaders

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese), tree nuts (pecans/walnuts), and gluten (crackers/bread). May contain sulfites (dried fruits, cured meats). Always check labels for allergens if uncertain.

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This cranberry wreath platter is easy to customize and always impresses guests with its festive appearance.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I make homemade cranberry sauce for the platter?

Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with granulated sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until the berries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Let it cool before arranging.

→ Can I make this platter vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the prosciutto and salami, and add more cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and flavor.

→ What cheeses work best for this arrangement?

Brie, sharp white cheddar, and goat cheese rounds provide a creamy and tangy balance that complements the cranberry sauce and accompaniments.

→ How should I arrange the platter for visual appeal?

Use rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath as a base, spoon cranberry sauce in intervals, then alternate cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits to create a lush and inviting display.

→ What nuts pair well with the platter?

Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor that enhances the richness of cheeses and the sweetness of fruits and cranberry sauce.

→ What drinks complement this platter?

Serve with crisp white wine or sparkling cider to highlight the savory and sweet elements with refreshing contrast.