Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter

Featured in: Seasonal Recipes

This festive holiday bow platter arranges sharp cheddar, brie, gouda, prosciutto, and salami alongside clusters of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices. Layers of assorted crackers, roasted almonds, marinated olives, and dried apricots add texture and flavor. A touch of honey or fig jam and fresh rosemary sprigs enhance the presentation. Ideal for easy entertaining, this colorful spread balances savory, sweet, and crunchy elements, delighting guests with vibrant, fresh flavors.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:58:00 GMT
Festive Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter arranged attractively with fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, and nuts. Save
Festive Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter arranged attractively with fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, and nuts. | whisknjoy.com

A festive and vibrant appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a holiday bow featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and savory bites&perfect for entertaining.

This platter always impresses my guests at holiday parties and is easy to customize according to dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 120 g sharp cheddar, cubed 120 g brie, sliced 120 g gouda, cubed
  • Cured Meats: 100 g prosciutto, thinly sliced 100 g salami, thinly sliced
  • Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes 1 cup green grapes 1 pomegranate, seeded 1 apple, sliced
  • Crackers & Bread: 1 baguette, sliced 150 g assorted crackers
  • Nuts & Extras: 1/2 cup roasted almonds 1/2 cup marinated olives 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/3 cup honey or fig jam
  • Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large rectangular or oval platter, lightly sketch the outline of a bow using parchment paper as a guide, if desired.
Step 2:
Arrange the cheeses along the loops and center of the bow, spacing for visual appeal.
Step 3:
Fold and layer the cured meats in gentle waves or rosettes next to the cheeses.
Step 4:
Fill in the bow with clusters of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices.
Step 5:
Place crackers and baguette slices around the edges or in the tails of the bow.
Step 6:
Add nuts, olives, and dried apricots in small piles throughout to create color and texture contrast.
Step 7:
Spoon honey or fig jam into a small bowl and nestle it into the platter.
Step 8:
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
Step 9:
Serve immediately, replenishing ingredients as needed.
A bountiful Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter showcasing a delicious arrangement of cheese, meats, and colorful garnishes. Save
A bountiful Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter showcasing a delicious arrangement of cheese, meats, and colorful garnishes. | whisknjoy.com

Our family loves gathering around this platter during the holidays and sharing stories while snacking.

Notes

Try adding goat cheese, blue cheese, or cherry tomatoes for more variety. Pairs well with sparkling wine or light white wine.

Required Tools

Large serving platter or board Sharp knife Small bowls for jams and olives Cheese knives or spreaders

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk (cheese), Tree nuts (almonds), Gluten (crackers, baguette) May contain: Sulfites (cured meats), possible cross-contamination in processed foods Always check product labels for allergens.

Enjoy this easy and beautiful Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter, perfect for a party, with a variety of snacks. Save
Enjoy this easy and beautiful Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter, perfect for a party, with a variety of snacks. | whisknjoy.com

Enjoy this versatile appetizer platter that's sure to delight your guests and make holiday entertaining easier.

Recipe FAQ

How can I make the platter suitable for vegetarians?

Omit the cured meats and add extra cheeses, marinated vegetables, or hummus to maintain flavor and variety.

What are some good beverage pairings for this platter?

Sparkling wine or a light white wine pairs beautifully with the mix of cheeses, fruits, and savory bites.

Can I customize the cheese selection?

Yes, try adding goat cheese, blue cheese, or other favorites to diversify textures and flavors.

How should I arrange the platter for visual impact?

Use a large platter, sketch a bow shape with parchment paper if needed, and layer ingredients in loops and clusters to create color contrast.

Are there gluten-free options available for crackers?

Yes, substitute standard crackers with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs.

Holiday Bow Appetizer Platter

Colorful holiday bow platter with cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers perfect for sharing at celebrations.

Prep duration
25 min
0
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Seasonal Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background International

Output 9 Portion Count

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Cheeses

01 4.2 oz sharp cheddar, cubed
02 4.2 oz brie, sliced
03 4.2 oz gouda, cubed

Cured Meats

01 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
02 3.5 oz salami, thinly sliced

Fresh Fruits

01 1 cup red grapes
02 1 cup green grapes
03 1 pomegranate, seeded
04 1 apple, sliced

Crackers & Bread

01 1 baguette, sliced
02 5.3 oz assorted crackers

Nuts & Extras

01 1/2 cup roasted almonds
02 1/2 cup marinated olives
03 1/2 cup dried apricots
04 1/3 cup honey or fig jam

Garnishes

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 Edible flowers (optional)

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Sketch Bow Outline: On a large rectangular or oval platter, lightly sketch the outline of a bow using parchment paper as a guide, if desired.

Stage 02

Arrange Cheeses: Place cheeses along the loops and center of the bow, spacing them to enhance visual appeal.

Stage 03

Layer Cured Meats: Fold and layer the cured meats in gentle waves or rosettes adjacent to the cheeses.

Stage 04

Add Fresh Fruits: Fill the bow with clusters of grapes, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices for color and freshness.

Stage 05

Position Crackers and Bread: Arrange crackers and baguette slices around the edges or in the tails of the bow.

Stage 06

Distribute Nuts and Extras: Scatter nuts, olives, and dried apricots in small piles throughout to create contrast in color and texture.

Stage 07

Add Honey or Fig Jam: Spoon honey or fig jam into a small bowl and nestle it into the platter.

Stage 08

Garnish and Serve: Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a festive touch, then serve immediately, replenishing as needed.

Necessary tools

  • Large serving platter or board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowls for jams and olives
  • Cheese knives or spreaders

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), gluten (crackers, baguette)
  • May contain sulfites (cured meats) and possible cross-contamination in processed foods

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 10 g