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Cozy Friendsgiving Charcuterie Wreath: Easy Holiday Appetizer

friendsgiving charcuterie wreath - featured image

This Cozy Friendsgiving Charcuterie Wreath is the easiest way to impress a crowd without breaking a sweat. It’s a stunning, shareable centerpiece made with cheese, meats, fruits, and crackers, arranged in a festive wreath shape that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 oz goat cheese log, softened to room temperature
  • 6 oz brie wheel, cut into wedges
  • 4 oz manchego, sliced into thin triangles
  • 6 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
  • 6 oz salami (Genoa or soppressata), sliced thin
  • 4 oz capicola (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dried figs, stems removed and halved
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup fig jam or honey
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • 1 box (about 6 oz) water crackers or buttery crackers
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds and pecans)
  • 1 small baguette, sliced into thin rounds and lightly toasted
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 6-8 sprigs)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Edible flowers or extra pomegranate seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start with the base. Place your platter or pizza pan on the counter. Visualize a large circle about 2-3 inches from the edge of the platter. Leave the center empty for the crackers and jam bowls.
  2. Layer the greens. Arrange the rosemary sprigs in a loose circle, pointing outward like the hands of a clock. Tuck the thyme sprigs between them, pointing inward.
  3. Place the cheese. Start with the brie wedges, spacing them evenly around the circle. Next, add the goat cheese in dollops or slices between the brie. Then scatter the cheddar cubes and manchego triangles around, filling in the gaps.
  4. Add the meats. Tear the prosciutto into ribbons and loosely bunch them near the brie and goat cheese. Fold the salami slices into quarters and place them in small piles around the wreath. If using capicola, tuck it near the cheddar.
  5. Scatter the fruits. Place the dried figs and apricots in small clusters around the wreath, alternating colors. Tuck the grapes in between the cheese and meat. If using pomegranate seeds, sprinkle them lightly over the whole wreath.
  6. Fill the center. Place small bowls of fig jam, honey, and mixed nuts in the center of the wreath. Arrange the crackers and baguette slices around the bowls, fanning them out slightly.
  7. Finish with herbs and details. Take a step back and look at your wreath. Tuck in extra thyme sprigs or a few more grapes to fill bare spots. Drizzle a little honey over the brie and goat cheese. Add edible flowers if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate. If making ahead, cover the whole platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Add crackers and baguette just before serving.

Notes

Room temperature cheese is non-negotiable for best flavor and texture. Take cheeses out 30-45 minutes before assembling. Dry grapes thoroughly to prevent soggy crackers. If making ahead, store crackers separately and add just before serving. The wreath can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: charcuterie wreath, Friendsgiving appetizer, holiday appetizer, cheese wreath, easy appetizer, party platter, charcuterie board