A playful and festive Christmas appetizer shaped like Santa Claus, made with creamy cheeses, juicy fruit, and savory meats. This edible centerpiece is perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, and Christmas Eve snacking.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For Santa’s Face
- 6–8 slices white cheese (for beard and hat trim)
- 1 thin slice pale deli cheese (for face)
- 2 small dark olives or blueberries (for eyes)
- 1 cherry tomato or red grape (for nose)
For the Hat
- ½ cup small red berries, pomegranate seeds, or raspberries
For the Board
- 1½ cups cubed semi-hard cheese
- 10–14 slices cured meat (salami, ham, or similar)
- ½ cup strawberries
- ½ cup red grapes
- ½ cup green grapes
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary or evergreen sprigs (for decoration)
- Crackers or breadsticks for serving
- Optional: small bowl of soft cheese spread or dip
Create Santa’s Face
Place the pale deli cheese slice in the center of your wooden board. Add two small dark olives for the eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose.
Build the Beard & Hat Trim
Layer white cheese slices below the face into a flowing beard shape. Use more white cheese above the face for the fluffy hat trim.
Form the Red Hat
Arrange red berries tightly above the white trim in a triangle shape to create Santa’s hat.
Arrange the Surroundings
On one side, pile cubed cheese. On the other, fold cured meat into ribbons. Add strawberries, grapes, and orange slices for balance and color.
Finish with Festive Greenery
Add rosemary or evergreen sprigs around the edges for a holiday touch.
Serve & Celebrate
Add crackers on the side and a small dip bowl if desired.
