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 grazing tray has been my go-to for festive parties as it requires minimal prep but wows guests every time.
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 tray is always a hit at family gatherings especially during the holidays when everyone enjoys nibbling and sharing stories.
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
Per serving (based on 10 servings includes meat and cheese): Calories ~380, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 13 g
Save This grazing tray is both beautiful and easy to customize making it perfect for any winter celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the fruit slices fresh?
Lightly brush fruit slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them looking vibrant throughout your event.
- → What cheeses work best for this tray?
Soft Brie, aged Cheddar, blue cheese, and goat cheese rounds provide a balanced variety of textures and flavors for this spread.
- → Can this tray be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add extra cheeses or roasted vegetables to maintain variety and fullness.
- → What nuts are included and how do they enhance the tray?
Roasted almonds, candied pecans, and pistachios add crunch and a mix of sweet and savory layers complementing the cheeses and fruits.
- → Are there suggested accompaniments for serving?
Consider serving with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red to complement the flavors across the cheeses and meats.
- → How should the tray be arranged for best presentation?
Arrange cheeses spaced apart, cluster folded meats nearby, fan sliced fruits, place nuts and olives in small piles or bowls, and finish with crackers around the edges.