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 brings a whimsical touch to holiday gatherings and is always a crowd-pleaser with its combination of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
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 Gathered around this platter, my family loves the playful presentation and the mix of flavors that keep everyone reaching for more.
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 This gingerbread charcuterie platter adds festive fun and flavor to your holiday table with minimal effort.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I assemble the gingerbread man shape?
Use a gingerbread man outline on a large board as a guide. Layer meats to form the shape's arms, legs, and head, then fill the body with alternating cheese slices and garnish with vegetables and olives for details.
- → Can I make this platter vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meats for grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices to maintain a similar arrangement and texture without animal products.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Use gluten-free crackers to accompany the platter, ensuring the entire setup accommodates gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What pairings complement this savory gingerbread man?
Mustard and fig jam offer tangy and sweet contrasts that enhance the flavors of the meats and cheeses beautifully.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover tightly and refrigerate leftovers, consuming within a day or two for best freshness and flavor.