Pin 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 recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, always impressing guests and sparking conversation with its festive design.
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.
Pin Our family cherishes gathering around this charcuterie tree every holiday season, sharing laughter and delicious bites.
Notes
Swap cheeses and meats to suit your taste or dietary needs. Add fig jam, honey, or mustard as additional condiments. 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.
Pin This Christmas tree charcuterie makes any holiday gathering truly special and effortless to assemble.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I arrange the charcuterie in a tree shape?
Use a triangular guide on your serving board and layer meats, cheeses, and fruits from the bottom up, grouping similar items together for visual balance.
- → What cheeses work best for this arrangement?
Aged cheddar, gouda, brie, and goat cheese are ideal for varied textures and flavors that complement cured meats and fruits.
- → Can I prepare this board in advance?
Assemble just before serving for best freshness. Cover and refrigerate if needed, but add crackers and bread just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → How can I make this board gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers and skip the baguette slices to keep the board gluten-free without compromising taste.
- → What garnishes enhance the festive appearance?
Fresh rosemary sprigs mimic tree branches, while pomegranate seeds and nuts add pops of color and texture for a holiday feel.
- → Can I substitute meats for a vegetarian version?
Omit meats and add roasted vegetables or extra nuts and fruits to maintain flavor diversity and texture.
