Description
Festive holiday “Appetizer Wreath” brings delightful Mediterranean flavors to seasonal gatherings. Colorful ingredients circle beautifully on a platter, creating a stunning centerpiece you’ll proudly serve at any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), cubed
- 1 cup cheddar or gouda cheese, cubed
Meats and Savory Toppings:
- ½ cup salami or prosciutto, sliced and rolled
- ½ cup olives (green, black, or mixed)
Fruit, Vegetable, and Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate arils
- ¼ cup small crackers or breadsticks (optional)
Base and Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (to form wreath shape)
- Fresh thyme or parsley sprigs
- Fresh cranberries
- Star-shaped cheese slices (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a festive foundation by layering aromatic rosemary sprigs in a circular design on a large serving platter, using thyme or parsley to fill any visual gaps and create a verdant backdrop.
- Strategically distribute milky mozzarella spheres and geometric cheese cubes throughout the herb-laden perimeter, ensuring balanced coverage.
- Weave elegant salami or prosciutto slices into delicate rolls, positioning them in artistic clusters that complement the herbal landscape.
- Introduce vibrant punctuation with glossy olives and jewel-toned cherry tomatoes, scattering them harmoniously across the verdant canvas.
- Elevate the composition with crimson accents – sprinkle dried cranberries or glistening pomegranate seeds to create striking color contrast.
- Optional embellishment includes delicate fresh cranberries or whimsical cheese cut into star shapes for an additional decorative touch.
- Enhance the flavor profile by delicately drizzling balsamic glaze moments before presentation, adding a sophisticated glossy finish.
- Complete the experience by arranging crisp crackers or slender breadsticks around the wreath’s perimeter, inviting guests to dive into this edible masterpiece.
Notes
- Create a sturdy base by ensuring rosemary sprigs are tightly packed and form a complete circular shape for structural integrity.
- Choose room temperature cheeses to maximize flavor and spreadability, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Prepare ingredients in advance and assemble the wreath just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy edges.
- Customize the wreath for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free cheese alternatives or using gluten-free crackers for versatile serving options.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg