Save A festive and visually stunning grazing tray featuring a selection of seasonal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and sweet treats—perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy winter evenings.
This tray has become a holiday favorite at our family gatherings, loved for its variety and festive look.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 150 g Brie sliced into wedges, 150 g Aged cheddar cubed, 150 g Blue cheese crumbled, 100 g Goat cheese log style
- Meats (optional omit for vegetarian): 100 g Prosciutto thinly sliced, 100 g Salami sliced, 100 g Smoked turkey breast sliced
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup red grapes washed and halved, 1 cup green grapes washed, 2 pears sliced, 1 apple sliced, 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- Dried Fruits & Nuts: 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup dried figs halved, 1/2 cup candied pecans, 1/2 cup roasted almonds
- Crackers & Bread: 150 g assorted crackers (whole wheat seed or gluten-free options), 1 French baguette sliced
- Sweet Treats: 100 g dark chocolate pieces, 100 g white chocolate-covered pretzels, 1/2 cup sugared cranberries (optional see Notes)
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs, Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Choose a large wooden board or serving tray as your base.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the cheeses evenly across the tray placing firmer cheeses first and softer cheeses in the center or corners.
- Step 3:
- Fold and arrange the cured meats in small piles or rosettes around the cheeses.
- Step 4:
- Add fresh fruit slices and grapes in small clusters for color and freshness.
- Step 5:
- Fill in gaps with dried fruits nuts and sweet treats.
- Step 6:
- Place crackers and baguette slices around the edges or in stacks for easy access.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a wintery touch.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save Sharing this tray at family holiday gatherings has created warm seasonal memories and plenty of compliments.
Required Tools
Large serving board or tray, Sharp knives for slicing cheeses and fruits, Small bowls for nuts or spreads (optional), Cheese knives or spreaders
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts Wheat (crackers bread) Soy (possible in chocolate) Sulfites (dried fruits). Meats may contain allergens—check labels for additives. Gluten-free substitutions available for bread and crackers.
Nutritional Information
Calories approximately 350, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 14 g per serving.
Save This grazing tray is both simple to create and sure to impress guests with its color and variety.
Recipe FAQ
- → How should the cheeses be arranged on the tray?
Place firmer cheeses first on the tray edges or corners and softer cheeses in the center to create balance and easy access.
- → Can this tray be adapted for vegetarian preferences?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and increase nuts, marinated olives, or roasted vegetables for variety and texture.
- → What fruits work best for freshness and color?
Use freshly sliced pears, apples, red and green grapes, and pomegranate arils, slicing just before serving to prevent browning.
- → How can sugared cranberries be prepared?
Soak fresh cranberries in simple syrup, roll them in granulated sugar, then allow them to dry for a crunchy, sweet coating.
- → What drinks pair well with this winter grazing tray?
Consider sparkling wine, mulled cider, or a light-bodied red wine to complement the flavors and festive mood.
- → Are there gluten-free options for the crackers and bread?
Yes, gluten-free crackers and breads can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.