Save A festive and eye-catching appetizer featuring a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This board has become our go-to holiday appetizer every year. It impresses guests and brings festive cheer to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Meats: 100 g salami sliced, 100 g prosciutto, 100 g smoked ham sliced
- Cheeses: 120 g cheddar cheese cubed, 120 g gouda cheese cubed, 100 g fresh mozzarella balls, 70 g brie cut into wedges
- Fruits & Vegetables: 1 cup green grapes, 1 cup red grapes, 1 small cucumber sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup black olives, ½ cup green olives, 1 small red bell pepper sliced (for decoration)
- Crackers & Bread: 100 g assorted crackers (gluten-free if desired), 1 small baguette sliced
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches), Star-shaped cheese slice (cheddar or gouda, for tree topper)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large rectangular serving board, use rosemary sprigs to outline the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Step 2:
- Starting from the bottom, arrange sliced baguette and crackers in a wide row for the tree base.
- Step 3:
- Above the base, layer meats, cheeses, grapes, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives in horizontal rows, tapering as you move upward to form a tree shape. Alternate colors and textures for visual appeal.
- Step 4:
- Place the star-shaped cheese slice at the top as the tree topper.
- Step 5:
- Fill in any gaps with additional rosemary sprigs and red bell pepper strips for decoration.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save Gathering around this board always sparks joy and conversation with family and friends during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to elevate the festive experience and complement the flavors.
Storage Tips
Cover and refrigerate the board if not serving immediately to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Variations
Add drizzles of honey or serve with a side of fig jam for added sweetness and contrast.
Save This Christmas tree charcuterie board adds a festive touch to any party and is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I create the Christmas tree shape on the board?
Use fresh rosemary sprigs to outline the tree, then layer breads and crackers on the bottom as a base, gradually building upward with rows of meats, cheeses, and fruits tapering to a point.
- → What cheeses work well for this arrangement?
Cheddar, gouda, fresh mozzarella balls, and brie create a nice mix of textures and flavors, with cheddar or gouda slices used for the star topper.
- → Can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers and omit the baguette to keep the board gluten-friendly.
- → How can I adapt this for vegetarians?
Omit the meats and add more vegetables or marinated tofu to maintain the variety and visual appeal.
- → Any tips for pairing beverages with this spread?
A crisp white wine or sparkling cider pairs wonderfully, complementing the mix of savory meats and creamy cheeses.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs create the tree's greenery and red bell pepper strips add festive color and texture.