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 Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board has become a holiday favorite in our family for its festive presentation and delicious variety.
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 This board always brings the family together with smiles and compliments during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this charcuterie board with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider for a perfect holiday appetizer.
Storage Tips
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers well to keep the cheeses and fruits fresh for next day enjoyment.
Variations
Add your favorite seasonal fruits or swap crackers with gluten-free options to customize to your taste.
Save With simple assembly and creative presentation this charcuterie board is sure to impress your guests this holiday season.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I assemble the Christmas tree shape?
Use rosemary sprigs to outline the tree shape on a large rectangular board. Arrange baguette slices and crackers at the base, then layer meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables in rows tapering upward, finishing with a star-shaped cheese on top.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, omit the meats and add extra vegetables or marinated tofu for protein. This maintains color and texture variety while keeping the festive look.
- → What are some good pairing options with this board?
Crisp white wines or sparkling ciders complement the range of flavors well, balancing savory meats, creamy cheeses, and fresh fruits.
- → How can I adapt this for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free crackers and omit the baguette to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without compromising texture or taste.
- → What garnishes add to the visual appeal?
Fresh rosemary sprigs mimic tree branches, and red bell pepper strips add festive color and fill gaps for a balanced look.