It’s safe to say that we’re obsessed with cheese boards right now. When you’re hosting for the holidays, it can be tough to set up a spread of homemade snacks. Between Christmas shopping, wrapping presents and shoveling the sidewalk, who has time left to prep for a holiday party?!
It’s @TheBakerMama and her beautiful cheese boards to the rescue.
We Love This Beautiful Board
@TheBakerMama, aka Maegan Brown is the author of the cookbook Beautiful Boards and shares all her gorgeous board inspirations on Instagram. And now, she built the most adorable Christmas snack tray of the season. It includes crackers, popcorn, blueberries, cheese wheels and more, all in the shape of a cheerful snowman.
Let’s give Maegan some love for this adorable creation!
View this post on Instagram
Find more ideas for making easy winter cheese boards.
How to Make Your Own Version
Do you want to build a snowman? Of course you do! Here’s a closer look at the ingredients Maegan used in her cheese board, so you can recreate it at home:
- Snowman: Maegan reports using a 4-inch round Brie, a 3-inch round Camembert and a 2-inch round chèvre spreadable goat cheese to create the snowman shape. The eyes, mouth and buttons are blueberries, and the nose is a baby carrot.
- Snowman’s Hat: That is a cracker with 7-8 darker crackers stacked on top. In the past, Maegan has used red beet crackers from Trader Joe’s.
- Snowman’s Scarf & Arms: For the scarf, she twisted two salami sticks like this together. She also used two salami sticks for the arms, but you could just as easily use pretzels.
To complete the scene, surround your snowman with fresh blueberries and snow-colored snacks. Carefully arrange the crackers, nuts, popcorn, biscotti and anything else you can find around your frosty main character. Then, nestle in a small dish of homemade jam and honey. Learn how to make our most impressive holiday cheese board.
Maegan says in her Instagram post: “I love giving y’all the inspiration and seeing you make it your own with the ingredients you and your loved ones would enjoy most.” So, go wild! Need more appetizers? Our collection of easy Christmas appetizers are perfect for the holidays!
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Shrimp in Phyllo Cups
I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, IllinoisGo to Recipe
Bacon-Encased Water Chestnuts
My husband and I do lots of entertaining and always start off with appetizers like these tempting morsels.—Midge Scurlock, Creston, IowaGo to Recipe
Rustic Tuscan Pepper Bruschetta
If you love sweet red, yellow and orange peppers, pair them with fresh mint for a cold kitchen appetizer. Marinate for up to one hour before assembling. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North DakotaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Best Deviled Eggs
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West VirginiaGo to Recipe
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Artichoke Phyllo Cups
I wanted to create a bite-sized version of rich, creamy artichoke dip. These adorable phyllo cup appetizers were a total success! —Neel Patel, Champaign, IllinoisGo to Recipe
Apricot Turkey Pinwheels
I created these unique pinwheels for a football game snack using ingredients I had on hand. They were a huge hit! I appreciate how quick and easy they are to prepare. —Melanie Foster, Blaine, MinnesotaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini
I made a healthier spin on my favorite celebrity chef’s recipe by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. To top crostini, use this recipe for a pastelike pesto. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, TexasGo to Recipe
Hot Crab Pinwheels
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn’t stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, VirginiaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce
This South American condiment, featuring fresh cilantro and parsley, is more than just a sauce for tossing with meatballs. You’ll want plenty for extra dipping. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British ColumbiaGo to Recipe
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket
For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, WisconsinGo to Recipe
Greek Olive Tapenade
Welcome to an olive lover’s dream. Mix olives with freshly minced garlic, parsley and a few drizzles of olive oil to have the ultimate in Mediterranean bliss. —Lisa Sojka, Rockport, MaineGo to Recipe
Smoky Bacon Wraps
These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that’s fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, IndianaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Sausage Wonton Stars
These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal when entertaining large groups. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so we can easily reheat them for late-night snacking.
—Mary Thomas
North Lewisburg, OhioGo to Recipe
Party Pesto Pinwheels
I took a couple of my favorite recipes and combined them into these delicious hors d’oeuvres. The colorful and impressive snacks come together easily with refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New YorkGo to Recipe
Shrimp Tartlets
Fill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic appetizer, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, MissouriGo to Recipe
Cilantro Tomato Bruschetta
This is an easy tomato appetizer that all of my family and friends love. The garden-fresh ingredients capture summer and meld together for a delightful hors d’oeuvre recipe that goes well with many different main dishes. —Lisa Kane, Milwaukee, WisconsinGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It’s hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, KentuckyGo to Recipe
Toasted Ravioli Puffs
I call toasted ravioli a fan favorite because it disappears faster than I can make it. With just five ingredients, this is how you start the party. —Kathy Morgan, Temecula, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Pork Satay
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe
Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet goes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, UtahGo to Recipe
Fontina Asparagus Tart
This lemony tart is loaded with fontina cheese and fresh asparagus. It’s a snap to make but looks really impressive. Be advised…your guests will be vying for the last tasty slice. —Heidi Meek, Grand Rapids, MichiganGo to Recipe
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Sausage Chive Pinwheels
These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves, and sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels never even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, WisconsinGo to Recipe
Brie Cherry Pastry Cups
Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, OhioGo to Recipe
Sausage Mushroom Appetizers
These stuffed mushrooms are can’t-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South DakotaGo to Recipe
Crab Crescents
This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Smoky Jalapenos
When I make these bacon-wrapped appetizers, there are no leftovers. They can also be made with mild banana peppers or yellow chili peppers. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, IowaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Ham and Cheese Puffs
These tasty little bites go over well with kids. They’re also delicious with soups or as party appetizers. —Mrs. Marvin Buffington, Burlington, IowaGo to Recipe
Sausage Wonton Cups
Here’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North CarolinaGo to Recipe
Cucumber Canapes
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They’re delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, MassachusettsGo to Recipe
Chive Crab Cakes
These tasty crab cakes are perfect for appetizers, or try them with a salad for a light meal. —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, IdahoGo to Recipe
Prosciutto Pinwheels
Fancy-looking and filling, these sensational appetizers are a lot easier to make than they look. With just a few ingredients and our easy directions, it’ll be a snap! —Kaitlyn Benito, Everett, WashingtonGo to Recipe
Sage & Prosciutto Pinwheels
I love, love, love to make appetizers and I especially like this recipe because I can make the rolls ahead, freeze them, and then slice and bake when needed. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, CaliforniaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, FloridaGo to Recipe
Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers
There’s plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, WashingtonGo to Recipe
Pumpkin Pinwheels
Cream cheese, mozzarella and roasted red peppers make these pumpkin-shaped pinwheels devilishly delicious. They were a hit at my last Halloween party. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Gorgonzola Polenta Bites
I needed a brand-new appetizer for a big party. I covered polenta with Gorgonzola and a tangy sauce. That’s how you spread holiday cheer. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, WashingtonGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Puff Pastry Christmas Palmiers
Palmiers (pronounced palm-YAY) come from France. They’re usually sweet, but to make them savory, I swirl in pesto, feta and sundried tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, OregonGo to Recipe
Italian Steak Bruschetta
This recipe combines my favorite things to eat: toast, steak, bruschetta topping and delicious pancetta. It’s looks so pretty on the plate! This five-ingredient appetizer is easy to prepare but will have everyone thinking you spent a long time in the kitchen. —Devon Delaney, Westport, ConnecticutGo to Recipe
Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels
This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, MontanaGo to Recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Won Ton Cups
I love the versatility of wonton wrappers. You can fill them with any mix of flavors or ingredients to suit your tastes. The first batch of these cups I tried with a Mexican-inspired filling, which was delicious. But this fun version is a spinoff of Philly cheesesteak, one of my favorite sandwiches. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, FloridaGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill
My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They’re a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, ArizonaGo to Recipe
Teriyaki Salmon Bundles
If you’re bored with the same old appetizers, give this one a try. I serve the little salmon bundles on skewers for easy dipping. Standing the skewers in a small vase filled with table salt creates a festive presentation. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, TexasGo to RecipeTaste of Home
Crab Phyllo Cups
I always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, ArizonaGo to Recipe
Florentine Almond Artichoke Mounds
I always enjoyed traditional artichoke-cheese dip, and for a party, I wanted to create a new appetizer that was a spin on that. This original creation is a bit reminiscent of the dip recipe, and works well on a buffet. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, FloridaGo to Recipe
Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Pack on the flavor with just a few ingredients! These meatballs hit the spot. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, IllinoisGo to Recipe
Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups
My children like these so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, CaliforniaGo to Recipe
Sausage-Stuffed Jalapenos
If you like foods that pack a bit of a punch, you’ll love these jalapeno poppers filled
with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. —Rachel Oswald, Greenville, MichiganGo to Recipe
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