Festive Holiday Tree Platter

Featured in: Seasonal Flavors

This festive holiday tree platter is a beautiful centerpiece featuring layers of cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and optional charcuterie elegantly arranged in a triangular shape. Fresh rosemary sprigs outline the tree, while starfruit or star-shaped cheese tops the display. The base is lined with sliced baguette and assorted crackers, creating a variety of textures and flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it offers vegetarian options by excluding meats and adding extra cheeses or marinated vegetables. Preparation requires minimal time and tools, making it an effortless yet impressive addition to any celebration.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:54:00 GMT
Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter arranged with colorful cheeses, fruits, and meats, ready to wow guests. Save
Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter arranged with colorful cheeses, fruits, and meats, ready to wow guests. | cinnamonglow.com

A stunning and delicious appetizer platter arranged in the shape of a festive tree, featuring cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, nuts, and savory nibbles—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This platter was a huge hit at our family holiday party, bringing everyone together to share and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 150 g Brie cheese cut into cubes 150 g Comté cheese cubed 100 g goat cheese sliced into rounds
  • Charcuterie (optional omit for vegetarian): 100 g prosciutto rolled 100 g saucisson sec sliced 100 g smoked turkey breast sliced
  • Fruits: 1 small bunch of red grapes 1 small bunch of green grapes 1 pomegranate seeds only 1 kiwi peeled and sliced 1 apple cored and sliced
  • Vegetables: 150 g cherry tomatoes 1 small cucumber sliced
  • Nuts & Extras: 50 g walnuts 50 g roasted almonds 50 g dried apricots
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches) 1 starfruit sliced (for the top star or use a star-shaped piece of cheese) 1 baguette sliced Crackers assorted

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large serving board or platter arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape to outline the tree.
Step 2:
Starting at the base alternate rows of cheese cubes charcuterie fruits vegetables and nuts creating colorful horizontal lines that fill the tree shape.
Step 3:
Place the starfruit slice or star-shaped cheese at the top of the tree as a decorative star.
Step 4:
Fill gaps with grapes pomegranate seeds and nuts for extra color and texture.
Step 5:
Arrange sliced baguette and crackers along the base as the tree trunk.
Step 6:
Chill until ready to serve and present with small serving forks or cocktail picks.
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| cinnamonglow.com

Gathering around this platter has become a joyful tradition during our holiday celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this platter with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir for the perfect complement.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover ingredients separate and fresh in the refrigerator; assemble just before serving for best presentation.

Variations

For a gluten-free version use gluten-free crackers or bread and add marinated olives or roasted peppers for extra flavor.

Imagine layers of fresh ingredients forming this Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter, a delightful presentation. Save
Imagine layers of fresh ingredients forming this Festive Holiday Tree Appetizer Platter, a delightful presentation. | cinnamonglow.com

This appetizer platter is as delightful to create as it is to share with loved ones.

Recipe FAQ Section

How do I assemble the tree shape?

Use fresh rosemary sprigs arranged in a triangle to create the outline. Fill inside with rows of cheese, fruits, nuts, and optional meats for a layered effect.

What can be used as the star on top of the tree?

A sliced starfruit or a star-shaped piece of cheese serves as a festive decorative star at the tree's top.

Can this platter accommodate vegetarian preferences?

Yes, simply omit the charcuterie and add extra cheeses, marinated olives, or roasted peppers for variety.

What are good pairings for this holiday tree?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir complements the flavors well.

Any tips for making it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crackers or bread slices at the base to ensure suitability for gluten-sensitive guests.

How should leftovers be stored?

Cover the platter tightly and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for best freshness.

Festive Holiday Tree Platter

A vibrant holiday tree tray combining cheeses, fruits, nuts, and charcuterie for easy festive entertaining.

Prep duration
25 min
0
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Seasonal Flavors

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin French-Inspired

Output 9 Portion count

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Cheeses

01 5.3 oz Brie cheese, cubed
02 5.3 oz Comté cheese, cubed
03 3.5 oz goat cheese, sliced into rounds

Charcuterie (optional)

01 3.5 oz prosciutto, rolled
02 3.5 oz saucisson sec, sliced
03 3.5 oz smoked turkey breast, sliced

Fruits

01 1 small bunch red grapes
02 1 small bunch green grapes
03 1 pomegranate, seeds only
04 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
05 1 apple, cored and sliced

Vegetables

01 5.3 oz cherry tomatoes
02 1 small cucumber, sliced

Nuts & Extras

01 1.8 oz walnuts
02 1.8 oz roasted almonds
03 1.8 oz dried apricots

Garnishes & Accompaniments

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs
02 1 starfruit, sliced
03 1 baguette, sliced
04 Assorted crackers

Method

Phase 01

Outline Tree Shape: Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs in a triangular shape on a large serving board to form the outline of the tree.

Phase 02

Build Tree Layers: Starting from the base, alternate rows of cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, vegetables, and nuts to create colorful horizontal lines filling the tree shape.

Phase 03

Add Top Decoration: Place the starfruit slice or a star-shaped piece of cheese at the top of the tree as a decorative star.

Phase 04

Fill Gaps: Fill empty spaces with grapes, pomegranate seeds, and nuts to enhance color and texture.

Phase 05

Arrange Tree Trunk: Lay out sliced baguette and assorted crackers along the base to resemble the tree trunk.

Phase 06

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve, providing small serving forks or cocktail picks for guests.

Tools needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small knives for cheese
  • Cocktail picks or small forks
  • Star-shaped cutter (optional)

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains milk, tree nuts, wheat, and pork (if charcuterie included).
  • May contain sulfites from dried fruits and cured meats.
  • Check labels for allergens as needed.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 275
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein Content: 12 g