Candy Cane Zigzag Board (Printable Version)

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

# 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 grapes, green or red
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

# How-To Steps:

01 - On a large rectangular or oval serving board, arrange about half of the salami and mozzarella slices alternately in overlapping curves to form a bold candy cane shape starting at one corner.
02 - Within the candy cane shape, place goat cheese (if using) and rolled prosciutto to add color and texture contrast.
03 - Nestle halved cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips alongside the red meat and cheese sections for a festive color pop.
04 - Scatter grapes, pomegranate seeds, and fresh basil or rosemary sprigs around the board to enhance visual appeal and freshness.
05 - Arrange assorted crackers and sliced baguette along the edges of the board or in a separate basket for easy access.
06 - Position bowls of whole-grain mustard or honey and cranberry chutney or fig jam on or near the serving board.
07 - Tuck in extra sprigs of basil or rosemary for a festive finishing touch and serve immediately.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • It requires zero cooking, so you can spend your energy on what really matters—connecting with guests
  • The candy cane shape instantly transforms any gathering into something Instagram-worthy without trying too hard
  • You get to work with textures and colors that feel festive but taste sophisticated, pleasing both kids and adults
  • Once you arrange it, the board practically tends itself while you mingle and enjoy the party
02 -
  • Don't slice your cheese and meats too far in advance. They dry out and lose their appeal. Aim to assemble everything within 30 minutes of serving, or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until guests arrive
  • The candy cane curve only works if you're intentional about overlapping. Each slice should cover about a third of the previous one, creating that flowing, undulating visual rhythm. Rushed slapping results in a jumbled appearance
  • Cold ingredients straight from the fridge look dull and taste muted. Give your board 10 minutes on the counter before serving so flavors wake up and presentation brightens
03 -
  • Sharp knife matters more than fancy techniques. A dull knife tears mozzarella and makes salami crumble. Invest in one good knife and keep it sharp
  • The pomegranate seeds are your secret weapon—they add that glossy, jeweled quality that makes people think you spent hours on this, when really they took two minutes. Buy them pre-removed if you're short on time and no one will know the difference
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