Gingerbread Man Savory Platter

Featured in: Cozy Cravings

This festive platter presents a playful take on a classic shape, layering savory meats like prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey to form the outline. Inside, alternating slices of cheddar, Swiss, and crumbled goat cheese create a colorful interior. Cherry tomatoes and olives highlight features, while bell pepper strips add bright accents. Serving with assorted crackers and complementary spreads offers a lively mix of flavors and textures perfect for holiday occasions.

Vegetables and microgreens balance the rich meats and cheeses, making the platter visually appealing and flavorful. This no-cook assembly emphasizes fresh ingredients and simple arrangement, suitable for quick preparation and easy enjoyment by groups.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:53:00 GMT
Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie: a festive cheese and meat platter with salami and cheddar forming the jolly gingerbread man. Save
Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie: a festive cheese and meat platter with salami and cheddar forming the jolly gingerbread man. | butterhollow.com

A playful and festive appetizer platter featuring a savory gingerbread man made with meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This recipe always brings smiles to holiday parties and is a fun way to enjoy charcuterie with a festive twist.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 6 slices prosciutto 6 slices salami 6 slices smoked turkey breast
  • Cheeses: 100 g cheddar cheese sliced 100 g Swiss cheese sliced 100 g goat cheese crumbled
  • Vegetables & Garnishes: 1 red bell pepper cut into strips 1 small cucumber sliced 10 cherry tomatoes halved 1 medium carrot cut into sticks 1/4 cup black olives sliced 1/4 cup green olives pitted and sliced 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens
  • Crackers & Extras: 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers (or regular as preferred) 2 tbsp whole grain mustard 2 tbsp fig jam

Instructions

Step 1:
On a large board or platter use a gingerbread man-shaped outline (drawn on parchment or a large cookie cutter) as a guide.
Step 2:
Arrange the meats to outline the gingerbread man shape layering prosciutto salami and turkey to form the arms legs and head.
Step 3:
Fill in the body with sliced cheeses alternating colors and textures.
Step 4:
Use black olives for buttons cherry tomato halves for cheeks cucumber slices for hands and feet and red bell pepper strips for a scarf or smile.
Step 5:
Sprinkle goat cheese to resemble icing along the arms and legs.
Step 6:
Surround the figure with crackers vegetable sticks arugula and remaining cheese and meats for easy access.
Step 7:
Serve with mustard and fig jam on the side.
Holiday Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie appetizer with colorful veggies, crackers, and creamy goat cheese accents for a party. Save
Holiday Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie appetizer with colorful veggies, crackers, and creamy goat cheese accents for a party. | butterhollow.com

Preparing this platter always brings the family together as we share stories and laughter while assembling our gingerbread man.

Required Tools

Large serving board or platter Gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional) Small bowls (for spreads)

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (crackers—choose gluten-free for dietary needs) Contains processed meats (check for added allergens) Check all labels for hidden allergens or cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 13 g per serving

Close-up of a delicious Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie featuring prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and olives served on a platter. Save
Close-up of a delicious Gingerbread Man Savory Charcuterie featuring prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and olives served on a platter. | butterhollow.com

This savory gingerbread man charcuterie platter offers a festive and customizable option for any holiday celebration.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do I keep the ingredients from sliding off the board?

Use small amounts of hummus or soft cheese as adhesive in spots to help secure smaller pieces and maintain the shape during serving.

Can I substitute meats for a vegetarian option?

Yes, replace cured meats with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu slices to keep the savory profile while accommodating dietary preferences.

What crackers pair best with this platter?

Assorted gluten-free or whole grain crackers complement the variety of cheeses and meats, adding texture without overpowering flavors.

How far ahead can I prepare the platter?

Assemble shortly before serving to preserve freshness, especially for delicate vegetables and cheeses. Cover and refrigerate if preparing a few hours in advance.

Are there common allergens in the ingredients?

This platter contains dairy from cheeses and may include gluten if crackers are not gluten-free. Check all labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

Gingerbread Man Savory Platter

Savory gingerbread-shaped board with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for festive gatherings.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat duration
1 min
Complete duration
26 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American/European Fusion

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences None specified

What you'll need

Meats

01 6 slices prosciutto
02 6 slices salami
03 6 slices smoked turkey breast

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
02 3.5 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
03 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Vegetables & Garnishes

01 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
02 1 small cucumber, sliced
03 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
04 1 medium carrot, cut into sticks
05 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
06 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
07 1/4 cup baby arugula or microgreens

Crackers & Extras

01 1 box assorted gluten-free crackers or regular, as preferred
02 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
03 2 tbsp fig jam

Method

Phase 01

Outline preparation: On a large serving board or platter, create a gingerbread man-shaped outline using parchment or a large cookie cutter as a guide.

Phase 02

Arrange meats: Layer the prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey breast slices to form the arms, legs, and head of the gingerbread man shape.

Phase 03

Fill with cheeses: Fill in the body area with alternating slices of cheddar and Swiss cheese to provide color and texture contrast.

Phase 04

Add vegetable details: Use black olive slices as buttons, halved cherry tomatoes for cheeks, cucumber slices for hands and feet, and red bell pepper strips to create a scarf or smile.

Phase 05

Garnish with goat cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese along the arms and legs to mimic icing decoration.

Phase 06

Arrange accompaniments: Surround the figure with assorted crackers, carrot sticks, baby arugula or microgreens, and the remaining meats and cheeses for easy access.

Phase 07

Serve condiments: Offer whole grain mustard and fig jam on the side for dipping.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Gingerbread man cookie cutter or parchment outline (optional)
  • Small bowls for spreads

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheeses
  • May contain gluten in crackers; select gluten-free option as needed
  • Contains processed meats; check for additional allergens

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 13 g