Description
Perfect holiday gatherings welcome this festive appetizer wreath, bringing Mediterranean flair to seasonal celebrations. Crisp puff pastry spirals with herbed cheese and olive tapenade create an elegant centerpiece that guests will devour with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), cubed
- 1 cup cheddar or gouda cheese, cubed
Meats and Accompaniments:
- ½ cup salami or prosciutto, sliced and rolled or folded
- ½ cup olives (green, black, or mixed)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate arils
Herbs, Garnishes, and Optional Items:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for wreath shape)
- Fresh thyme or parsley sprigs
- ¼ cup small crackers or breadsticks (optional)
- Fresh cranberries
- Star-shaped cheese slices (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a verdant foundation by artfully positioning rosemary sprigs in a circular pattern on a large serving platter, filling any visual gaps with delicate thyme or parsley leaves to create a lush, herbaceous base.
- Distribute mozzarella spheres and cubed cheese evenly across the aromatic greenery, interspersing clusters of elegantly folded salami or prosciutto to add textural complexity and visual intrigue.
- Introduce vibrant pops of color by scattering olives, cherry tomatoes, and roasted red peppers throughout the composition, ensuring a balanced and inviting presentation.
- Enhance the festive aesthetic by sprinkling dried cranberries or jewel-like pomegranate arils across the surface, creating a stunning crimson contrast against the verdant herbs and pale cheeses.
- For an optional final flourish, delicately drizzle a glossy balsamic reduction over the arrangement, adding a tangy complexity to the flavor profile.
- Complement the wreath with an assortment of crisp crackers or artisan breadsticks, strategically placed around the platter’s edge to invite guests to explore and enjoy the delectable display.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality herbs to create a vibrant and aromatic base that elevates the entire appetizer’s visual appeal.
- Opt for room-temperature cheeses to enhance their flavor and ensure a smooth, creamy texture when serving.
- Customize the wreath by substituting ingredients for dietary restrictions: use turkey salami for lower-fat options, swap mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives, or include gluten-free crackers for sensitive guests.
- Prepare the wreath components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg