Salami and Fig Appetizer
A holiday appetizer platter comprised of sweet and savory! This charcuterie is going to please all ages, and is so easy to make, you could literally put it together in the car on the way to the party.
I don’t know about you guys, but my holiday season always seems to be packed. With recitals, and sporting events, and family parties, and friend parties, and school parties, and this party and that party… it is a big old party! All the time.
I love the parties. And I really love the party foods. But as a food blogger, there tends to be a pretty high expectation on whatever I contribute to the holiday spread. And honestly, with so much going on, I don’t always have time to prepare a dish to bring, especially if I want it to really “wow” everyone, and so I am usually stopping at the store on the way to grab something.
If you are anything like me, you want to be able to bring something to the party table that is impressive, but really simply lack the time to do it.
Today, I am going to let you in on one of my favorite party contribution secrets. Are you ready?
You can still bring food “straight from the store” without looking like you “phoned it in” by creating an amazing appetizer platter, or as it is called in fancier circles, a charcuterie!
I think there is a little bit of a misconception that charcuterie is only for fancy parties, like ones with wines and fine cheeses. I disagree. In fact, I think charcuterie is the perfect party food for all ages, little ones included, because most kids are grazers by nature, so having lots of options makes them very happy.
This particular combination of holiday appetizer platter makes me, and my crew really happy. It has Creminelli Barolo Salami, that I picked up at Whole Foods, and while I was there I grabbed a jar of pickles, some green olives, crackers, pita chips, a round of brie, some fig spread, and an assortment of nuts, from raspberry glazed almonds, to roasted cashews, and even a mango tango medley. Basically you can get everything you need for an awesome holiday tray at Whole Foods, especially if you check out their bulk section and deli area!
With a platter from home, and an assortment of small dishes to hold the various options, this becomes a simple, elegant, and yet family friendly holiday party dish. You are sure to impress!
So let’s talk about some of the components, the salami. It really is the star of the show. It is Creminelli Barolo Salami is a traditional salami mix with an addition of red wine. It has a robust flavor, and is seriously yummy. It is the perfect addition to any charcuterie.
The fig spread is also amazing, especially with brie, and ridiculously easy to put together, for an impressive appetizer. You can make your own fig spread, and I have included a recipe. Or, you can buy one that is already made to simplify things further. Simply spread it over the brie, and consider even adding some marcona almonds for additional texture and flavor.
From there I have a mixture of sweet, salty, and savory options to add fun and flavor to the platter. I love the combination of sweet and savory, having the Barolo Salami, a fig covered brie, sweet coated nuts, and savory nuts, crackers, and some pickled veggies, along with pimento stuffed olives, well it just all goes together so well.
Everyone will find something they love, and the pairings of the savory Creminelli salami with the sweet fig spread, and the creamy brie makes for an unexpected, and delicious mouthful!
I think you will find that even if you are pulling a last minute effort, this is a party dish that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen, but really only took a few minutes to prepare.
Other Great Holiday Appetizers
- Spinach Artichoke Crockpot Dip
- Bacon Jalapeno Mustard Deviled Eggs
- Roasted Pork Crostini with Apple and Pomegranate
- Crispy Oven Baked Shrimp
Fig Spread
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh figs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbs lemon juice
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
- Chop figs by hand or in a food processor.
- Place chopped figs in medium saucepan and add water.
- Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, the whole time for about 10 minutes. Or until figs are broken down
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then put fig mixture in food processor or use an immersion blender to puree.
- Return the figs to the sauce pan, add in the lemon juice, honey, and salt.
- Cook on low, stirring frequently, for 10 more minutes.
- Taste, adjust if needed, and let cool before serving (or eat warm, it really is good either way)
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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Cathy Trochelman says
Yes! To all of this! I totally know what you mean about feeling the pressure to bring something AMAZING….and never having the time. Love your suggestions!
Sylvia McArthurw says
How much did all this cost? I bet you won’t tell.
Rachael says
Hahahah! Well, that is the killer isn’t it. The salami was $14, the brie $4, the fig spread $5, the crackers, olives, and nuts I already had, but you could probably plan on $10, so yeah…it is not cheap, but it feeds a crowd and is a very nice appetizer.