Save to Pinterest 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 was a hit at our last winter party, impressing guests with its colorful and seasonal presentation.
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 to Pinterest This grazing tray has become a family favorite for holiday celebrations bringing everyone together around a beautiful spread.
Notes
For a vegetarian board, simply omit the meats and add more cheese or roasted vegetables. Try adding honey fig jam or chutney for extra flavor. Wine pairing: A crisp white wine or light-bodied red complements the spread.
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.
Save to Pinterest This grazing tray is an effortless yet elegant way to impress guests and enjoy seasonal flavors.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses are included in this tray?
Brie, aged cheddar, blue cheese, and goat cheese create a varied flavor and texture profile for the tray.
- → Can this tray be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add more cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain balance.
- → How should the tray be arranged for best presentation?
Arrange cheeses evenly around the board, cluster charcuterie, fan out fruit slices, and fill spaces with nuts, olives, and sweet treats for a visually appealing display.
- → What garnishes enhance the tray's winter theme?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers add a festive, seasonal touch that complements the rich flavors.
- → Are there tips to keep fruit fresh on the tray?
Brushing fruit slices lightly with lemon juice helps prevent browning and keeps colors vibrant.
- → What drinks pair well with this spread?
A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red pairs nicely, balancing the variety of flavors on the tray.