Santas Beard Hat Board (Printable Version)

Holiday board featuring creamy white cheeses and vibrant cured meats for festive gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Beard

01 - 7 oz brie cheese, sliced
02 - 7 oz goat cheese, crumbled
03 - 5 oz white cheddar, cubed
04 - 5 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
05 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, shaped into small balls (optional)
06 - 7 oz assorted white crackers (rice crackers, water crackers, etc.)

→ Hat

07 - 5 oz sliced Genoa salami
08 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, rolled
09 - 3.5 oz pepperoni slices
10 - 2 large roasted red bell peppers, sliced into strips
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers

→ Garnishes

12 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration
13 - 1 black olive for Santas pom-pom

# How to Make It:

01 - On a large wooden board or platter, outline a triangle at the top for the hat and a rounded bottom section for the beard.
02 - Fill the bottom half generously with white cheeses: arrange brie slices, goat cheese crumbles, cheddar cubes, and mozzarella balls to mimic a fluffy beard. Tuck cream cheese balls throughout for added texture.
03 - Place rows of assorted white crackers at the base and sides of the beard section to complement the cheeses.
04 - Layer slices of salami and pepperoni within the triangular hat area, overlapping for a rich red effect. Incorporate rolled prosciutto and strips of roasted red pepper for color and texture variation.
05 - Position cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers at the tip and along the hat to provide vibrant color contrast.
06 - Use fresh rosemary sprigs to outline the hat and beard sections, enhancing the festive appearance.
07 - Place the black olive at the tip of the hat to represent Santa’s pom-pom.
08 - Serve immediately, replenishing components as necessary during your gathering.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really takes just twenty minutes—your secret to looking like a holiday host extraordinaire.
  • Everyone gravitates toward it at parties, and suddenly your appetizer board becomes the main conversation piece, with kids and adults alike marveling at the festive creativity.
  • You get to play with textures and flavors, mixing creamy cheeses with salty cured meats, tangy peppers, and crispy crackers—there's something for every palate and craving.
02 -
  • Take all your cheeses out of the fridge fifteen minutes before assembling. Cold, firm cheese is harder to arrange gracefully, but cheeses at room temperature drape, crumble, and nestle in ways that make Santa look alive and real.
  • If you're making this more than an hour ahead, keep it refrigerated under plastic wrap, then unwrap and let it sit for just ten minutes before guests arrive. This prevents sweating while maintaining that beautiful fresh appearance.
  • The black olive is non-negotiable for recognition. Without it, people see an abstract red and white board. With it, they instantly see Santa and smile. Never skip this detail.
03 -
  • Shop for ingredients the day before, but assemble only two hours before guests arrive. This timing keeps everything fresh and prevents the board from looking tired by the time people gather around it.
  • Use a large wooden board or slate platter with personality—the board itself is part of Santa's charm. Warm wood tones make the whites look creamier and the reds look more vivid.
  • Always include small cheese knives and serving tongs. People will ask how to cut or serve, and having the right tools makes them feel welcome and thoughtful hosting shines through.
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