Pin It A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board featuring a blend of savory meats, cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and homemade cranberry marshmallows for a sweet-tart twist.
The first time I made cranberry marshmallows from scratch, my guests were amazed at the burst of tart flavor and fluffy texture. This board quickly became the highlight of our holiday party.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto: 100 g, thinly sliced
- Soppressata: 100 g, thinly sliced
- Smoked turkey slices: 100 g
- Aged cheddar: 120 g, cubed
- Brie: 120 g, sliced
- Gouda: 120 g, sliced
- Seedless red grapes: 1 cup
- Fresh strawberries: 1 cup, halved
- Dried apricots: ½ cup
- Roasted almonds: ½ cup
- Shelled pistachios: ½ cup
- Olives (green and black mix): ¼ cup
- Baguette: 1, sliced
- Assorted crackers: 1 box
- Cranberry juice (100% unsweetened): ¾ cup
- Powdered gelatin: 1 packet (7 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1½ cups
- Light corn syrup: ⅓ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Dried cranberries: ½ cup, chopped
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): ½ cup
- Cornstarch (for dusting): ½ cup
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Marshmallows:
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment and dust with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle gelatin over cranberry juice in a small bowl and let bloom for 10 minutes. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan, heat on medium until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C). With the mixer on low, pour hot syrup into gelatin mixture, then beat on high until thick and glossy, about 10 minutes. Beat in vanilla and fold in chopped dried cranberries. Spread mixture in pan, dust top, and let set 4 hours. Cut into cubes and dust on all sides.
- Assemble the Charcuterie Board:
- Arrange meats and cheeses in separate clusters on a large platter. Add grapes, strawberries, and dried apricots in piles. Place nuts and olives in bowls or directly on board. Fan baguette slices and stack crackers. Place cranberry marshmallows in a small bowl or pile. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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Sharing this charcuterie board with my family sparked lots of conversations as everyone discovered their favorite pairing. The marshmallows were devoured in minutes—definitely a new tradition for us.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, candy thermometer, 8x8 inch baking pan, saucepan, large serving board or platter, and small bowls for nuts or olives.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), tree nuts (almonds, pistachios), pork, and gelatin. Some ingredients may contain traces of gluten or other allergens, so check labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1/10 of the board) contains approximately: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 12 g.
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Serve with a light fruity red wine or sparkling rosé for the ultimate party platter. Your guests will love the creative sweet-tart spin.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make cranberry marshmallows?
Bloom gelatin in cranberry juice, cook sugar and syrup to 240°F, mix with gelatin, beat until thick, add vanilla and dried cranberries, spread in pan, set for 4 hours, and dust with sugar/cornstarch.
- → What meats work well for this board?
Prosciutto, soppressata, and smoked turkey offer a mix of flavors and textures. Feel free to substitute with other cured or smoked meats.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit meats and add roasted vegetables or extra cheese varieties for a colorful, hearty selection.
- → What cheeses are recommended?
Aged cheddar, brie, and gouda create a palate of sharp, creamy, and nutty flavors. Add different cheeses to suit your taste.
- → How far ahead can I prepare the marshmallows?
Make cranberry marshmallows up to a day ahead and store airtight at room temperature until serving.
- → What beverages pair well?
Pair with light, fruity red wines or sparkling rosé to complement both savory and sweet items on the board.