Candy Cane Zigzag Holiday Board (Print View)

A festive holiday board with bold red and white cheeses, meats, fruits, and garnishes arranged in candy cane form.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or bocconcini
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, optional, sliced or crumbled

→ Meats

03 - 7 oz dry-cured salami, sliced
04 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, optional, rolled

→ Accompaniments

05 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
07 - 1.75 oz pomegranate seeds, for garnish
08 - 3.5 oz green or red grapes
09 - Fresh basil or rosemary sprigs, for garnish

→ Crackers & Breads

10 - 5.3 oz assorted crackers or gluten-free crackers
11 - 1 small baguette, sliced, optional

→ Dips & Spreads

12 - 1 small bowl whole-grain mustard or honey
13 - 1 small bowl cranberry chutney or fig jam

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange the salami and mozzarella alternately in overlapping slices on a large rectangular or oval serving board, forming a bold, curving S-shape resembling a candy cane. Start at one corner and curve toward the center, then back toward the opposite side.
02 - Fill the curve with additional cheese such as goat cheese and rolled prosciutto for contrast in color and texture.
03 - Place halved cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips alongside the red sections to enhance festive coloration.
04 - Distribute grapes, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herb sprigs around the board for visual appeal and freshness.
05 - Place assorted crackers and baguette slices along the edge of the board or in a separate basket to accompany the selection.
06 - Position small bowls containing whole-grain mustard or honey, and cranberry chutney or fig jam on or near the board.
07 - Tuck sprigs of fresh basil or rosemary throughout the arrangement to add a holiday touch. Serve immediately.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required, which means you can spend your holiday time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • The candy cane shape is so visually stunning that it becomes the conversation starter at any gathering
  • It's naturally gluten-free if you choose the right crackers, making it inclusive for all your guests
  • You can prep it in about twenty minutes, yet it looks like you spent hours planning
02 -
  • Arrange your board no more than two hours before serving, as the cheese will dry out and the vegetables will begin to weep. If you must prepare ahead, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store in a cool place.
  • Let all your cheeses sit out for fifteen minutes before arranging if they've been in the refrigerator. Room-temperature cheese tastes better and is easier to work with.
03 -
  • Chill your serving board in the freezer for ten minutes before arranging if your kitchen is warm. A cold board keeps everything fresher longer.
  • Slice your salami and mozzarella just before assembling so they don't dry out or become discolored sitting exposed to air.
Go Back