Salty meats, creamy cheeses, fruit, and mini cheesecakes form an elegant centerpiece for festive entertaining.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Charcuterie Selection
01 - 4 ounces prosciutto
02 - 4 ounces salami
03 - 4 ounces chorizo
04 - 4 ounces coppa
→ Cheeses
05 - 5.3 ounces aged cheddar, cubed
06 - 5.3 ounces brie, sliced
07 - 5.3 ounces goat cheese, rolled into balls
08 - 5.3 ounces gouda, cubed
→ Crackers & Bread
09 - 7 ounces assorted crackers
10 - 1 baguette, sliced
→ Fruits & Nuts
11 - 1 cup red grapes
12 - 1 cup green grapes
13 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
14 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
15 - 1/2 cup dried figs
16 - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
→ Condiments
17 - 1/4 cup fig jam
18 - 1/4 cup honey
19 - 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
20 - 1/2 cup cornichons (mini pickles)
→ Mini Festive Cheesecakes - Crust
21 - 3.5 ounces graham crackers, finely crushed
22 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
23 - 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
→ Mini Festive Cheesecakes - Filling
24 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
25 - 2.6 ounces granulated sugar
26 - 1 large egg
27 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
28 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Mini Festive Cheesecakes - Topping
29 - 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or raspberry preserves
30 - Fresh mint, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 340°F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Mix finely crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press 1 teaspoon of mixture into each liner to form a compact crust.
03 - In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until the batter is just combined.
04 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of filling over each crust. Bake for 15–18 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm.
05 - Top each chilled cheesecake with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce or raspberry preserves. Garnish with fresh mint.
06 - On a large serving board, artfully arrange assorted cured meats, cubed and sliced cheeses, crackers, baguette slices, fresh and dried fruits, mixed nuts, and various condiments. Position mini cheesecakes as the visual centerpiece.
07 - Present all components at room temperature to optimize flavor and texture.