Festive Candy Cane Zigzag (Printable)

Holiday board featuring salami, mozzarella, grapes & vibrant garnishes in a candy cane shape.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - On a large rectangular or oval serving board, arrange salami and mozzarella slices alternately in overlapping layers to form a bold, curving S-shape resembling a candy cane. Start at one corner, curve toward the center, then back to the opposite side.
02 - Fill the curve with goat cheese and rolled prosciutto, if using, to introduce additional color and texture.
03 - Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips along the red sections to enhance festive color.
04 - Distribute grapes, pomegranate seeds, and fresh basil or rosemary sprigs around the board to add visual interest and freshness.
05 - Position crackers and baguette slices along the board’s edges or place separately in a basket.
06 - Place bowls of whole-grain mustard or honey and cranberry chutney or fig jam on or near the board.
07 - Tuck in basil or rosemary sprigs for a festive touch and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks so impressive that people won't believe you assembled it in just 20 minutes—it's the kind of elegant appetizer that makes you look like a culinary genius
  • The candy cane shape is instantly recognizable and festive, transforming a simple charcuterie board into holiday decor you can actually eat
  • Everyone finds something they love, from cheese lovers to cured meat enthusiasts to fruit fans, making it a crowd-pleaser that works for any gathering
  • There's no cooking involved, which means you can prep this while managing other holiday chaos and still have time to get ready yourself
02 -
  • Arrange your board no more than 2-3 hours before serving—if you do it too far in advance, some elements will dry out or the mozzarella can become oily. The magic happens when everything is fresh and at peak texture.
  • Keep everything slightly cool before arranging. Chill your cheeses and meats for 30 minutes before building your board; this helps them hold their shape and look crisp. A cold board also stays fresh longer on the table.
  • The candy cane curve is more forgiving than you think. Even if it's slightly wonky, guests will recognize and love the candy cane concept. Imperfect is charming when it's made with care.
  • Quality matters for the starred ingredients—spend a bit more on good salami and fresh mozzarella. These are the show-stoppers, and guests will taste the difference.
03 -
  • Invest in a sharp knife and a good cutting board for prep work. Thin, even slices of salami and clean cuts of cheese make the difference between a homemade board and one that looks professionally crafted. I use a deli slicer for the salami when I can—it makes paper-thin slices that drape beautifully.
  • The day before your party, prepare all your components separately and store them in sealed containers in the fridge. This way, assembly takes literally five minutes on the day of, and you can focus on enjoying your guests rather than panicking in the kitchen. It's the secret to stress-free entertaining.
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