Santa's Beard Hat Board (Print View)

A festive board with creamy whites for the beard and rich reds for the hat, perfect for holiday gatherings.

# Components:

→ 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)

→ 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 Santa's pom-pom

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Using a large wooden board or platter, create a triangle shape at the top for the hat and a rounded section at the bottom for the beard.
02 - Fill the bottom section generously with brie slices, goat cheese crumbles, white cheddar cubes, and halved mozzarella balls to replicate a fluffy beard. Distribute the cream cheese balls throughout for added texture.
03 - Arrange rows of assorted white crackers along the base and sides of the beard section.
04 - Layer rows of Genoa salami and pepperoni slices within the triangle, overlapping to achieve a rich red appearance. Incorporate rolled prosciutto and roasted red pepper strips to introduce color and variety.
05 - Place cherry tomatoes or mini red peppers at the tip and along the hat to add brightness and vibrancy.
06 - Outline the shapes of the hat and beard with fresh rosemary sprigs to enhance the festive presentation.
07 - Position the black olive at the tip of the hat to represent Santa's pom-pom.
08 - Present immediately and replenish as needed during the gathering.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 20 minutes to assemble—no cooking required, just creative arranging
  • Everyone gravitates toward it because it's interactive and visually magical, making it perfect for parties where conversation matters as much as the food
  • You can customize it endlessly with your favorite cheeses and meats, so it feels personal every time you make it
02 -
  • Assemble this no more than 2-3 hours before serving. Cheeses dry out and crackers soften if left too long. I learned this the hard way at a party where my beautiful beard started looking a bit sad by the time dessert rolled around.
  • Arrange everything on a cold board if you can—pop your platter in the fridge for 15 minutes before you start. Cold cheese stays fresher and holds its shape better as people reach across it.
  • Don't skip the visual balance. If you're heavy-handed with one cheese, the whole composition suffers. Think painter, not just food preparer.
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses from a proper cheesemonger if you have access. They'll slice and portion things exactly how you describe, and they'll tell you which ones play nicest together. I learned this from a cheesemonger in Portland who changed how I think about board building entirely.
  • The secret that made the biggest difference for me was investing in good serving tongs. They're small, they're inexpensive, and they mean you're not watching people's hands touch everything on the board. It's a small thing that signals care.
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