Save A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer always brings joy to holiday parties and is simple to assemble with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- Meats: 6 slices prosciutto, 6 slices salami, 6 slices smoked turkey breast
- Cheeses: 100 g cheddar cheese sliced, 100 g Swiss cheese sliced, 100 g goat cheese crumbled
- Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 small cucumber sliced, 10 cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium carrot cut into sticks, 1/4 cup black olives sliced, 1/4 cup green olives pitted and sliced, 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens
- Crackers & Extras: 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers (or regular as preferred), 2 tbsp whole grain mustard, 2 tbsp fig jam
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large board or platter use a gingerbread man-shaped outline (drawn on parchment or a large cookie cutter) as a guide.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the meats to outline the gingerbread man shape layering prosciutto salami and turkey to form the arms legs and head.
- Step 3:
- Fill in the body with sliced cheeses alternating colors and textures.
- Step 4:
- Use black olives for buttons cherry tomato halves for cheeks cucumber slices for hands and feet and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle goat cheese to resemble icing along the arms and legs.
- Step 6:
- Surround the figure with crackers vegetable sticks arugula and remaining cheese and meats for easy access.
- Step 7:
- Serve with mustard and fig jam on the side.
Save Sharing this platter with family creates warm and festive memories every holiday season.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional) Small bowls (for spreads)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (crackers—choose gluten-free for dietary needs). Contains processed meats (check for added allergens). Check all labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 13 g per serving
Save This festive platter is both visually delightful and delicious a perfect centerpiece for your next holiday event.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the gingerbread man platter?
Use a gingerbread man-shaped outline on a board as a guide, layering meats to form the outline, then fill the interior with cheeses and decorate with vegetables and olives.
- → Can I make this platter gluten-free?
Yes, choose gluten-free crackers or omit crackers altogether for a gluten-free friendly spread.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese provide a nice mix of flavors and textures that complement the cured meats.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the meats?
Grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices can replace the meats for a vegetarian option.
- → How can I keep smaller pieces in place on the platter?
Use hummus or soft cheese as a base adhesive to help smaller items stick securely.