Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

🎄 Holiday Charcuterie Wreath

📝 Ingredients

• Cheese Cubes:

  • Brie, Feta, and/or Mozzarella – about 200 g each (cut into cubes)

• Cured Meats:

  • Salami slices – about 150 g

  • Pepperoni slices – about 100 g

  • Prosciutto – about 100 g

• Marinated Vegetables:

  • Artichoke hearts – 1 cup, quartered

  • Roasted red peppers – ½ cup (optional)

• Olives:

  • Green and Kalamata olives – 1½ cups

• Fresh Fruit:

  • Cranberries – 1 cup (fresh or sugared for garnish)

  • Grapes – optional

• Herbs:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs – enough to form a ring around the board

  • Fresh thyme – a few sprigs for garnish

• Drizzle:

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp

  • Honey – 2 tbsp

  • Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

  • Optional: balsamic glaze for extra flavor

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the Base:
   Place a large round wooden board or platter. Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a circle to form a “wreath” shape.

2. Assemble Cheese & Meats:

   • Place cheese cubes in small groups around the rosemary circle.

   • Fold salami and pepperoni into halves or quarters and tuck them between the cheese blocks.

   • Add prosciutto in small bundles for texture.

3. Add Olives & Veggies:
   Spoon olives and artichoke hearts between the meat and cheese clusters.

4. Decorate with Fruits:
   Scatter cranberries and grapes around to give a festive pop of color.

5. Finishing Touch:
   Drizzle lightly with olive oil and honey. Optionally add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze.
   Sprinkle with cracked pepper and a few thyme leaves.

6. Serve:
   Place small toothpicks or appetizer forks nearby for easy serving.

❄️ Tips

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add roasted veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.

• Use small bowls for dips like hummus or whipped feta in the wreath center.

• Chill the platter for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

❓ Q&A Section

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 4–6 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge. Add the honey/oil drizzle and fresh herbs just before serving.

Q: Which cheese works best?
A: Brie and feta give creaminess and tang, but you can mix in cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese for variety.

Q: How do I fold the salami into “rose” shapes?
A: Overlap slices on a wine glass rim halfway around, press them together, then flip the glass upside down to release a neat rose.

Q: What can I use instead of rosemary for the wreath?
A: Thyme, parsley, or even kale leaves can be used to mimic the greenery.

Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Yes. Simply skip nuts. Add more olives or fruit for extra texture.