Candy Cane Zigzag Board (Print view)

Bold red and white elements arranged in a festive candy cane shape for holiday gatherings.

# List of Ingredients:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Directions:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks so stunning that people will think you spent hours on it, when really it only takes 20 minutes from start to serving
  • There's something for everyone—salty cured meats, creamy cheeses, fresh fruits, and crispy crackers all in one beautiful arrangement
  • The candy cane shape instantly transforms your table into festive territory without needing any decorations
  • You can customize it based on what you have on hand or what your guests prefer, making it endlessly flexible
02 -
  • Slice and prepare everything at least an hour before guests arrive if you can—this gives you the mental space to arrange thoughtfully instead of frantically, and it keeps stress out of your beautiful creation
  • The overlapping matters more than perfection. When your salami and mozzarella overlap at slight angles, it actually makes the candy cane shape more readable and appealing than if everything were perfectly aligned
  • Use the ripest cherry tomatoes and freshest herbs you can find. These elements don't need to be fancy, but they do need to taste good because they're the bright note that makes everything else taste better
  • Pat your mozzarella and other moist ingredients with a paper towel before arranging. Any excess moisture will make your carefully arranged board look tired within minutes
03 -
  • Use a wooden board for warmth and visual appeal, but if you need a larger surface, a clean marble slab or even a large white platter works—the ingredients do the real talking, not the surface
  • Prep your board about 15 minutes before guests arrive so everything is fresh and you're not frantically arranging while people are standing around watching. There's something disconcerting about watching someone frantically arrange food; it should feel effortless
  • If any ingredient starts to look tired before you're ready to serve, just rearrange it slightly with fresh pieces tucked behind. No one will ever know
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