Christmas Wreath Shaped Veggie Platter Appetizer Recipe
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This beautiful edible Christmas wreath appetizer platter will be the talk of your Holiday party! Christmas wreath veggie tray made out of broccoli, cherry tomatoes and fresh rosemary, with the dipping sauce in the middle – yes, please!
This festive Christmas wreath vegetable plate looks stunning – it’s almost too beautiful to eat :) With the addition of fresh rosemary, it even smells like Christmas! Who’s going to be the first brave soul to dig in and start dipping?
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Wreath Shaped Veggie Platter
- Festive and Beautiful: This veggie platter is shaped like a Christmas wreath, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. The vibrant colors of the broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and rosemary bring the holiday spirit to life.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with fresh veggies, this platter offers a nutritious and tasty option for guests. The combination of crunchy broccoli and sweet cherry tomatoes pairs perfectly with creamy Ranch dressing.
- Quick and Easy: You can create this stunning appetizer in just 5 minutes! It’s a hassle-free, no-cook option, so you can focus on other holiday preparations while impressing your guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this platter in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just add the dressing before serving, and you’re all set.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This veggie wreath platter is not only visually appealing but also universally loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to encourage healthy snacking at your holiday party.
Making this delicious edible Christmas wreath is super easy and only takes 5 minutes. The round plate fits the shape of the wreath and will hold it in place. The small bowl of dressing will be in the center to create the hole in the middle. Just add the green broccoli florets without the stems to make the green branches of the wreath, then sprinkle cherry tomatoes throughout to make the ornaments, and top with fresh rosemary spigs to complete the Christmas wreath. That’s all there is to it! Healthy, tasty and pretty – a perfect addition to any Christmas party!
Ingredients For Christmas Wreath Shaped Veggie Platter
- Broccoli florets: These are the main “greenery” for your wreath. Use the florets without stems for a neat look.
- Cherry tomatoes: These vibrant red tomatoes act as the “ornaments” on your wreath.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: These not only add a beautiful finishing touch but also give the wreath a lovely fragrance, perfect for the holidays.
- Ranch dressing: A creamy and delicious dip to place in the center of the wreath, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
A great thing about this Christmas wreath appetizer is that it can be made in advance. If making it in advance, just hold the dressing – put the empty bowl in the center of a plate, and fill it with dressing later right before serving. The Christmas wreath veggie plate can keep for up to 8 hours at room temperature, or up to 2 days in a refrigerator. Unlike fruit that are highly perishable once sliced, these veggies are tough and can last a while!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Christmas Wreath Shaped Veggie Platter
- Large round plate: This will serve as the base for your wreath and help shape it perfectly.
- Small round bowl: Place this in the center of the plate to hold the dressing and create the wreath’s “hole.”
- Measuring cups: For measuring out the broccoli florets and dressing to ensure the perfect amount.
If you like this Christmas wreath veggie plate, you will also love my Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Christmas Grinch Fruit Kabobs!
How To Make Christmas Wreath Vegetable Plate
Step 1: Put a small round bowl of dressing in the middle of a large round plate.
Step 2: Put the broccoli florets (without stems) on the plate.
Step 3: Put cherry tomatoes on the broccoli to make wreath ornaments.
Step 4: Add spigs of fresh rosemary to the Christmas wreath veggie tray for the finishing touch!
Now dip away and enjoy this delicious edible Christmas wreath vegetable platter!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Christmas wreath veggie platter with other festive appetizers, like a cheese board or crackers with dip, to offer a variety of options for guests.
- Serve it alongside a hearty holiday main course to keep things light and refreshing before dinner.
- Place the platter in the center of your table to double as a stunning edible decoration.
- Add a variety of dipping sauces, such as hummus or creamy sauce, to offer more dipping choices.
Tips For Success
- Fresh is best: Use the freshest broccoli and cherry tomatoes you can find to keep the colors vibrant and the veggies crisp. Fresh rosemary not only looks great but also adds a delightful holiday aroma to your platter.
- Prep ahead: If you’re making this veggie platter in advance, prepare everything except the dressing. You can arrange the veggies and rosemary up to 8 hours ahead of time and store the platter in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Customize the wreath: You can switch up the veggies to suit your preferences. For example, cauliflower florets can add a snowy look to the wreath, or you can add sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Secure the tomatoes: To keep the cherry tomatoes from rolling around, gently press them into the broccoli florets. This will help the ornaments stay in place and make your wreath look picture-perfect.
- Use a sturdy plate: Since the wreath will be slightly heavy with all the veggies, make sure to use a large, sturdy plate that can handle the weight without bending or tipping.
Variations And Substitutions
- Vegetable Variations: If you want to add more color to your wreath, consider including other vegetables like cauliflower florets for a snowy effect, or sliced bell peppers in red, yellow, and orange to add some festive variety. Cucumbers, radishes, or snap peas could also bring different textures and flavors to the platter.
- Dips and Dressings: While Ranch dressing is a classic choice, feel free to swap it for other favorites like hummus, guacamole, or a spinach and artichoke dip. You could even use a festive red-colored dip, like a roasted red pepper or tomato-based dip, to add more Christmas colors.
- Herb Alternatives: Rosemary gives this wreath an authentic Christmas tree look, but you can substitute it with other herbs like parsley or thyme for a different aroma and visual appeal. For a lighter herb option, dill could work well too.
- Cheese Additions: If you’d like to make the platter a bit more indulgent, consider adding small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubes of cheddar cheese tucked in among the broccoli. This would add more flavor while still keeping the appetizer healthy.
- Fruit Accents: If you want to incorporate some sweetness into your veggie platter, add some grapes, pomegranate seeds, or cranberries. They’ll bring a nice contrast to the savory flavors and make the wreath even more vibrant.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: If you need to prepare the Christmas wreath veggie platter ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply arrange the broccoli, tomatoes, and rosemary on the plate, but leave the dressing out. Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
- Serving Tip: When you’re ready to serve, remove the platter from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Add the dressing to the bowl just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and the veggies don’t get soggy.
- Room Temperature Storage: The wreath platter can also stay fresh at room temperature for up to 8 hours. This is perfect for those long holiday parties where you want to set out food ahead of time and let it sit for guests to enjoy throughout the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for the veggie platter?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for this veggie wreath platter. Frozen broccoli tends to become soft and mushy once thawed, which won’t hold the shape of the wreath as well. Fresh broccoli also has a brighter color and a better crunch, which makes it more visually appealing and delicious.
How far in advance can I make the Christmas wreath veggie platter?
You can prepare the veggie wreath up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble the wreath on the plate without adding the dressing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing into the bowl in the center, and your platter will be fresh and ready to go.
What can I use instead of Ranch dressing?
If Ranch isn’t your preference, you can swap it for other dips like hummus, guacamole, or blue cheese dressing. For a festive twist, you could even try a red-colored dip, like roasted red pepper hummus or salsa, to complement the green wreath.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the wreath?
Absolutely! While broccoli and cherry tomatoes make a classic base, you can add other veggies such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or cucumbers. You can also include cheeses like mozzarella balls or cheddar cubes for more variety, or even some fruits like cranberries or grapes for a sweet touch.
How do I keep the wreath from falling apart?
To keep everything secure, press the cherry tomatoes gently into the broccoli florets to prevent them from rolling around. Make sure your platter is sturdy and flat so the wreath stays intact. Also, avoid overloading the wreath with heavy ingredients, as that can cause it to lose its shape.
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Christmas Wreath Veggie Platter Appetizer Tray Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets stems removed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 6 spigs of fresh rosemary
- 1/3 cup Ranch dressing
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large round plate
- Small round bowl for dressing
Instructions
- Put a small round bowl for dressing in the middle of a large round plate.
- Add the Ranch dressing to the small bowl.
- Put the broccoli florets on the plate around the dressing bowl, so the plate is covered with broccoli and there are no gaps.
- Put the cherry tomato "ornaments" on top of the broccoli.
- Put the rosemary spigs on top of the broccoli to decorate the Christmas wreath.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates: Sweet & Savory Appetizer
- Air Fryer Pepperoni and Cream Cheese Bites
- Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Skewers: Simple Appetizer Idea
This is a piece of art! I also love this since it’s a win win for my diet.
Finally, I can contribute something easy and impressive for the holiday! Thanks for this!