Festive Cheese and Meat Board
Bring holiday magic to your appetizer table with this adorable Santa Claus Charcuterie Board! Made with savory salami, delicate beef prosciutto, creamy cheese, fresh fruit, and crispy crackers, this festive grazing platter combines delicious flavors with a fun presentation that will impress guests at any gathering.
Categories: SNACKS
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Ingredients
- 8 oz sliced beef salami
- 5 oz thinly sliced beef prosciutto
- 8 oz sliced white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1 small cherry tomato
- 15 to 20 round buttery crackers
- 1 cup red grapes
- 5 to 6 fresh strawberries
Cooking Instructions
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01
Place a large round wooden serving board on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the board is completely dry before arranging the ingredients.
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02
Arrange the sliced salami along the upper section of the board, overlapping the slices to create Santa's hat and upper face.
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03
Fold the prosciutto slices loosely and arrange them along the lower right side of the board. Create soft folds to give the meat an attractive, ruffled appearance.
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04
Arrange the remaining salami slices along the lower left edge of the board in a neat overlapping row.
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05
Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries and grapes. Place the strawberries in the upper left corner and arrange the red grapes along the upper right corner.
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06
Arrange the buttery crackers in an overlapping line along the left side of the board, between the strawberries and salami.
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07
Create beard using thin slices of white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Overlap the slices in curved rows, starting beneath the center of the face and extending downward into a pointed beard shape.
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08
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese in a curved line across the upper part of the face to create the fluffy white trim of Santa's hat.
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09
Use two small pieces of cheese to create Santa's eyebrows. Add two black olive pieces underneath for the eyes.
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10
Cut or shape two small pieces of cheese into curved mustache sections. Place them on either side of the center of the face.
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11
Place a cherry tomato in the center of the face to create nose. Adjust the cheese and salami pieces to make the facial features symmetrical.
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12
Arrange a few additional salami slices beneath the nose to complete Santa's face. Check the overall presentation and fill any empty spaces with the remaining fruit, cheese, or crackers.
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13
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For the best flavor and texture, remove the board from the refrigerator approximately 10 to 15 minutes before serving, while keeping it within safe food-temperature limits.
Chef notes
Use thinly sliced, flexible cheese so the beard can be arranged into beautiful overlapping layers. Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or provolone are excellent choices for Santa's beard. Fold the prosciutto loosely rather than laying it flat to create an elegant, textured appearance. Pat the grapes and strawberries completely dry before placing them on the board to prevent excess moisture. Use small pieces of black olives for the eyes and a cherry tomato for nose. You can prepare the fruit and slice the cheese ahead of time, but assemble the board closer to serving for the freshest presentation. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, following the storage guidance for the individual ingredients.
