Save to Pinterest A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This platter has become a holiday favorite in our family gatherings due to its playful design and delicious variety of flavors.
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 to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around this platter as the centerpiece of our holiday parties sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
Swap meats or cheeses according to preference. For a vegetarian version replace meats with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices.
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.
Save to Pinterest This charcuterie platter not only tastes delightful but also adds a charming touch to your celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What meats work best for this platter?
Prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast provide varying textures and flavors that layer well to form the gingerbread man outline.
- → Can this be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, substitute the meats with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices while keeping the cheese and vegetable garnishes.
- → How can I make this platter gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free crackers to serve alongside, ensuring no cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
- → What cheeses complement the platter’s flavor profile?
Cheddar offers sharpness, Swiss provides nuttiness, and goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch sprinkled like icing.
- → How to assemble the gingerbread man shape effectively?
Use a cookie cutter or draw an outline on parchment as a guide to arrange meats for the figure’s arms, legs, and head, then fill in with cheeses and vegetables.
- → What dips or spreads pair well with this platter?
Whole grain mustard and fig jam offer sweet and tangy contrasts that enhance the savory elements.