Candy Cane Ham and Cheese Board
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A candy cane ham and cheese board is a fun way to bring something festive to your Christmas gathering when you do not feel like spending much time in the kitchen.
You can easily make a smaller board for a few people or a larger one for a party, using the same ingredients and arranging the slices into a simple candy cane shape.
How to make a candy cane ham and cheese board
First decide if you want to make a small board like in the photos, which serves about 4 to 5 people or if you want to make more.
The version in the photos serves about 4 to 5 people, but you can simply repeat the pattern to make a larger board.
If you decide to double the recipe, I recommend making two candy cane shaped boards rather than one large one. It will be easier to serve or transport, if needed. For example, you might not have an extra-long tray or serving platter, but you might have a wide one. A wide tray will easily fit two smaller candy cane appetizers.
Once you have picked your serving plate or tray, go grocery shopping.
Buy sliced cheese that you like, such as Gouda, Edam, Cheddar, Mozzarella or Havarti. Anything will work as long as the slices are squares or rectangles. If you decide to use round slices and do not mind more scraps or cut-offs, then go ahead.
Choose ham or salami. Use one kind or a combination. Mild, spicy, Italian, Spanish, anything you like will work.
Pick crackers. These are served on the side, so fill a bowl with anything you or your guests like.
Arranging everything then takes only a few minutes. This makes it the perfect last-minute Christmas appetizer.
My tips for this candy cane board
Make it more filling by adding a selection of other snacks like nuts, dried fruits, olives, pates or grapes, anything your guests can nibble on. Serve these in separate bowls or, better yet, turn it into a holiday charcuterie spread and make a Christmas tree cheese board to go with it.
A baking sheet will also work as a tray if you do not have a large one to use. Line it with parchment paper and arrange the ham or salami and cheese in a cane shape. Another trick to fit more on a smaller serving dish is to leave smaller gaps between the slices.
Recipe Q&A
Yes, you can. If you do, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
This is a very simple appetizer platter with just 2 deli items, sliced cheese and ham or salami, so I suggest making it no more than 6 hours in advance to keep it as fresh as possible. Add the crackers right before serving so they stay crisp.
Plan on about 4 people when you keep this simple and do not have anything else on the table.
If you add about 3 more things, whether they are cold appetizers, small nibbles or warm finger foods, this board will feed up to about 10 people. Keep in mind that this will depend on the size and richness of the other appetizers as well.
More festive appetizer ideas
Why not pair this simple ham and cheese appetizer with other festive finger foods?
Here are a few ideas:
- Festive Mini Pizzas – These are always a hit with kids.
- No Bake Cranberry Brie Bites – Tasty, easy to put together and they always disappear from the table first.
- Mango Chicken Puffs – One of my all time favorite appetizers. I even served these for my wedding.
- Savory Palmiers – If you like trying new recipes and do not mind blue cheese, this might be your thing.
Candy Cane Ham and Cheese Board
Ingredients
- 3 ounces ham sliced (90 grams), see note 1
- 6 ounces cheese sliced into squares or rectangles (170 grams), see note 2
- crackers of your choice, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the cheese slices into quarters.
- On a clean rectangular serving board (see note 3), alternate ham slices (see note 1) and cheese slices to form a candy cane shape. Start with the top part of the cane, create a curve, then run the slices down to form the stick.
- Adjust the shape. Look at the board from above and rearrange the slices if needed.
- Serve with crackers on the side.
Notes
- You can use salami instead of ham if you prefer. Pick what you like, for example hard, cured, dry, mild, spicy, Italian or Spanish style.
- Use any squared or rectangular cheese, such as Gouda, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Edam or Havarti.
- This can be easily customized to the size of your serving plate or tray. If you follow this recipe, you will need a plate or cutting board that is at least 10.5 inches long (27 centimeters). For the width, count with about 6.5 inches (18 centimeters).
- Make ahead: Cover the board with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 6 hours before serving. Add crackers right before serving so they stay crisp.