Smoked Cheddar & Salami Candy Cane
A fun and festive real-food appetizer for holiday celebrations
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8–12 slices smoked white cheddar cheese
(Cut into uniform rectangles for best presentation) - 8–12 slices thick-cut salami
(Look for small-diameter salami for perfect proportions)
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese & Salami
Lay out your cheese slices and salami rounds. If needed, trim cheese slices so they’re all roughly the same size. - Start the Candy Cane Shape
On a large wooden board or platter, place one slice of cheese at the bottom.
Top it with one slice of salami so the round slightly overlaps the cheese. - Continue the Pattern
Alternate cheese and salami slices, slightly overlapping each one.
Keep the slices straight as you build the “stem” of your candy cane. - Create the Curve
Once you’re 6–8 slices in, angle the next pieces gradually to form the curved top.
Continue alternating until your candy cane shape is complete. - Garnish & Serve
Add rosemary sprigs around the base or along the curve for a pop of green.
Serve with crackers, fruit, or your favorite holiday dips.
Notes
Optional Add-Ons
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Crackers or baguette slices for serving
- A small bowl of grainy mustard or fig jam
- Cherry tomatoes or grapes for color