Description
Festive appetizer wreath combines Mediterranean flavors with elegant holiday presentation. Crisp phyllo cups cradle herbed goat cheese and roasted vegetables, offering guests a delightful start to seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), cubed
- 1 cup cheddar or gouda cheese, cubed
- 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
- 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
- Herb Foundation: Meticulously arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular pattern on a large serving platter, filling spaces with thyme and parsley to create a lush, aromatic base.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Placement: Strategically distribute mozzarella spheres, cubed cheese, and elegantly folded salami or prosciutto across the herbaceous backdrop, creating textural depth and visual intrigue.
- Colorful Accents: Artfully scatter olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, dried cranberries, and pomegranate arils throughout the composition to introduce vibrant color and additional flavor dimensions.
- Optional Flavor Enhancement: Delicately drizzle balsamic reduction over the arrangement to add a sophisticated tangy note and glossy finish.
- Serving Preparation: Surround the wreath with an assortment of crisp crackers or artisan breadsticks, inviting guests to explore and enjoy the carefully crafted appetizer display.
Notes
- Select Fresh Herbs: Choose vibrant, crisp rosemary, thyme, and parsley with bright green color and no wilting for maximum visual appeal and aromatic quality.
- Balance Color Distribution: Carefully arrange ingredients to create visual contrast, ensuring even spread of red (tomatoes, peppers), white (cheese), and green (herbs) elements.
- Control Moisture Levels: Pat ingredients dry before placement to prevent herb wilting and maintain crisp presentation, especially for delicate greens.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt wreath by substituting meats with vegetarian proteins like marinated tofu cubes or adding plant-based cheese alternatives for vegan guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg