Save A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I have enjoyed serving this fun and creative platter at family parties, and it always brings smiles and conversation.
Ingredients
- Meats: 6 slices prosciutto, 6 slices salami, 6 slices smoked turkey breast
- Cheeses: 100 g cheddar cheese sliced, 100 g Swiss cheese sliced, 100 g goat cheese crumbled
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 small cucumber sliced, 10 cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium carrot cut into sticks, 1/4 cup black olives sliced, 1/4 cup green olives pitted and sliced, 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens
- Crackers & Extras: 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers (or regular as preferred), 2 tbsp whole grain mustard, 2 tbsp fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or platter, use a gingerbread man-shaped outline (drawn on parchment or a large cookie cutter) as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the meats to outline the gingerbread man shape, layering prosciutto, salami, and turkey to form the arms, legs, and head.
- Step 3:
- Fill in the body with sliced cheeses, alternating colors and textures.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives for buttons, cherry tomato halves for cheeks, cucumber slices for hands and feet, and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle goat cheese to resemble icing along the arms and legs.
- Step 6:
- Surround the figure with crackers, vegetable sticks, arugula, and remaining cheese and meats for easy access.
- Step 7:
- Serve with mustard and fig jam on the side.
Save Our family loves to gather around and assemble this platter together, creating festive memories each season.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional), small bowls for spreads
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (crackers—choose gluten-free for dietary needs). Contains processed meats (check for added allergens). Check all labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 13 g per serving
Save This charcuterie is a delightful centerpiece that combines festive fun with flavorful variety in just 25 minutes.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the gingerbread man shape?
Use a large cookie cutter or parchment outline as a guide to arrange the meats and cheeses, shaping the figure on a serving board.
- → What meats work best for layering?
Prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast provide varied textures and flavors, ideal for shaping limbs and the head.
- → Which cheeses complement this platter?
Cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese offer a balanced mix of sharpness, creaminess, and texture to fill the figure.
- → How can I adapt this for dietary preferences?
Swap meats for grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices for a vegetarian version, and choose gluten-free crackers if needed.
- → What garnishes add color and detail?
Black olives for buttons, cherry tomato halves for cheeks, cucumber slices for hands and feet, and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile enhance the presentation.