Save A festive and visually stunning charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree featuring an assortment of cured meats cheeses fruits and savory accompaniments perfect for holiday gatherings.
This has become my go-to appetizer for Christmas parties friends always ask how I assemble such a beautiful and tasty spread.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g aged cheddar cubed 100 g gouda sliced 100 g brie cut into wedges 100 g goat cheese formed into small balls
- Meats: 100 g prosciutto thinly sliced 100 g salami sliced 100 g soppressata sliced
- Fruits: 1 cup seedless green grapes 1 cup seedless red grapes 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1 small bunch fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Accompaniments: 1/2 cup mixed olives 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds walnuts or pecans) 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Crackers & Breads: 1 box assorted crackers (use gluten-free if needed) 1 small baguette sliced
- Decoration: 1 small star-shaped piece of yellow cheese (for the tree topper) Fresh rosemary sprigs (to mimic tree branches)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular or wooden board sketch a triangle as a guide for your tree shape using parchment paper if desired.
- Step 2:
- Starting at the bottom create alternating layers of meats cheeses fruits and accompaniments to fill the triangle grouping similar ingredients together for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Use rosemary sprigs between the layers to mimic the look of tree branches.
- Step 4:
- Place the star-shaped cheese at the top of the tree as a topper.
- Step 5:
- Surround the base of the tree with crackers and baguette slices.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and nuts throughout for pops of color and texture.
- Step 7:
- Fill in any gaps with additional fruits or nuts as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the table sharing stories and enjoying the festive spread.
Notes
Swap cheeses and meats to suit your taste or dietary needs Add fig jam honey or mustard as additional condiments For a vegetarian version omit meats and add roasted vegetables or more nuts Best served with a chilled sparkling wine or light white wine
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Small knife for cutting cheese Star-shaped cheese cutter (optional) Small bowls (for olives or artichokes)
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (cheese) Tree nuts (nuts) Wheat (crackers baguette—use gluten-free if needed) May contain Sulfites (cured meats marinated vegetables) Always check product labels for allergens
Save Assemble the board a few hours before serving to let flavors meld and garnish just before guests arrive for best presentation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses work best for this holiday board?
Aged cheddar, gouda, brie, and goat cheese provide a nice variety of textures and flavors that complement the meats and fruits.
- → How can I make this board gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers or substitute the baguette for gluten-free bread options to keep the spread safe for gluten intolerant guests.
- → What is the best way to arrange the ingredients?
Layer meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments in alternating groups to form a triangular tree shape. Use rosemary sprigs for a branch-like look and star-shaped cheese as a topper.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
You can assemble the board a few hours ahead and cover with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this spread?
Omitting the cured meats and adding roasted vegetables or extra nuts provides a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
- → What pairings complement this charcuterie arrangement?
Light white wines or sparkling wines pair beautifully, balancing the rich cheeses and cured meats with refreshing acidity.