Winter Wonderland Appetizer Board (Printable Version)

An elegant winter platter showcasing cheeses, nuts, fruits, and frosted garnishes for a festive touch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz fresh goat cheese (log or rounds)
02 - 5 oz Brie or Camembert, rind trimmed
03 - 3.5 oz mild white cheddar or mozzarella, cubed

→ Nuts & Fruits

04 - 3.5 oz blanched almonds
05 - 3.5 oz macadamia nuts
06 - 3.5 oz dried white mulberries or white raisins
07 - 1 small bunch green grapes

→ Crackers & Bread

08 - 7 oz white rice crackers (gluten-free)
09 - 3.5 oz plain water crackers
10 - 1 small baguette, sliced and lightly toasted

→ Accents & Garnishes

11 - 1/4 cup edible silver leaf flakes or metallic silver dragées (for decoration)
12 - 1/4 cup white chocolate curls
13 - Light blue sugared almonds or Jordan almonds
14 - Fresh rosemary sprigs, dusted with powdered sugar

→ Accompaniments

15 - 1/4 cup honey or white fig jam
16 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt dip or whipped ricotta

# Directions:

01 - Place the goat cheese, Brie or Camembert, and white cheddar cubes centrally on a large serving board with space between each for easy access.
02 - Fan out the white rice crackers, water crackers, and toasted baguette slices around the perimeter of the cheeses to create an inviting display.
03 - Fill small bowls with blanched almonds, macadamia nuts, dried white mulberries or white raisins, and place fresh green grapes in a separate bowl. Arrange these evenly around the board.
04 - Spoon honey or white fig jam and Greek yogurt dip or whipped ricotta into small ramekins and position them on the board within easy reach.
05 - Garnish empty spaces with white chocolate curls and light blue sugared almonds to enhance visual contrast and evoke a wintry theme.
06 - Place fresh rosemary sprigs dusted lightly with powdered sugar atop the board for a frosted effect, and carefully apply edible silver leaf flakes or metallic dragées as accent points.
07 - Present immediately, ensuring all items are easily accessible for guests to enjoy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking skills, just thoughtful arrangement and a touch of creativity
  • Every element is a mini adventure for your guests—they get to explore flavors from creamy brie to crispy crackers to buttery nuts all on one board
  • The frosty, monochromatic palette feels genuinely luxurious, like you spent hours planning when really it's just smart ingredient choices
02 -
  • Cheese tastes completely different cold versus at room temperature. Pull your soft cheeses out about 20 minutes before serving—they'll be spreadable and flavorful instead of dense and muted. Your guests will actually be able to taste the subtle tang of the goat cheese and the buttery richness of the brie.
  • Edible silver leaf is incredibly delicate and seems to have a mind of its own. Keep it sealed until the very last moment, use tweezers, and don't sneeze. One gentle placement at a time. It's worth the fussiness because it's the visual element that makes people gasp.
  • The board gets eaten in a certain order—guests naturally start with what's nearest. If you want to ensure people try everything, distribute your best items around the perimeter, not clustered in one corner. A guest should be able to make a small circle around the board and taste everything.
03 -
  • If your event is during warm weather or in a warm space, place the serving board on a bed of ice underneath (hidden from view) to keep cheeses from getting too soft. Slip the board onto an ice-filled platter 30 minutes before serving, then right before guests arrive, wipe the underside dry.
  • Make your white chocolate curls ahead of time and refrigerate them on parchment paper. They'll hold their shape better and look more professional. Let them warm to room temperature for 5 minutes before placing them on the board—warm chocolate is more pliable and less likely to shatter.
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