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 is always a hit at our holiday parties, bringing smiles and delicious bites for everyone to enjoy.
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 Our family loves gathering around this colorful platter and sharing stories while assembling our own gingerbread men.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 13 g per serving
Save This savory gingerbread man charcuterie brings both fun and flavor to any occasion with minimal prep required.
Recipe Q&A
- → What meats are used for the gingerbread man shape?
Prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast slices are layered to outline the figure's arms, legs, and head.
- → Which cheeses complement this savory platter?
Cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheeses provide varied textures and colors within the gingerbread man body.
- → How are vegetables incorporated into the display?
Red bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, olives, and baby arugula add color and detail to the arrangement.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, gluten-free crackers are used optionally, and meats can be swapped for grilled vegetables or tofu for vegetarian needs.
- → How do you keep smaller ingredients in place?
Using hummus or soft cheese helps secure smaller veggie pieces and garnishes on the platter.
- → What accompaniments enhance the flavors?
Whole grain mustard and fig jam served on the side provide complementary sweet and tangy tastes.