A Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is festive, fun, and incredibly easy to put together. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a unique appetizer idea, this edible centerpiece is sure to impress. Best of all, you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, fruits, nuts, meats, and more!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Step 1: Build the Tree Shape
- Start with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, or basil to create the “tree branches.”
- Arrange them in a tree shape on your board, spreading wider as you move toward the bottom.
Step 2: Create the Trunk
- Use a celery stalk, pretzel sticks, or even breadsticks wrapped in cheese for the tree trunk.
Step 3: Add Layers of Cheese & Fruit
- Alternate rows of different cheeses and fruits to create a colorful, layered effect.
- Examples:
- Cheddar cubes
- Swiss or Monterey Jack
- Red, green, and black grapes
- Kiwi or starfruit slices
Step 4: Add Decorative Touches
- Cut cheese or persimmons into star shapes to use as tree toppers.
- Sprinkle in cranberries or pomegranate arils for a “twinkle light” effect.
- Place nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios around the base or in small bowls.
Step 5: Serve with Crackers
- Surround the tree with a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or even cookies for dipping and pairing.
Ingredient Ideas for Your Charcuterie Tree
- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Brie, or your favorites
- Fruit: Grapes, starfruit, kiwi, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries
- Vegetables: Cucumbers, peppers, carrots, broccoli
- Meats (optional): Prosciutto, salami, or deli meats rolled and arranged in rows
- Extras: Pickles, olives, nuts, jams, and honey
Tips for Success
- Assemble up to 4 hours ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until serving.
- Don’t worry if it’s not “perfect”—a rustic, natural look makes it even more charming.
- No charcuterie board? Use a large cutting board, serving tray, or even parchment paper on the table.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 10 sprigs fresh rosemary (more or less, depending on size)
- 1 celery stalk (tree trunk)
- Red, green, and black grapes (clipped into clusters)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar, cubed
- 4 oz Monterey Jack, cubed
- 4 oz medium cheddar, cubed
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1–2 starfruit, sliced
- 1 cup assorted nuts
- 1 kiwi, sliced
- Crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Arrange rosemary sprigs in a Christmas tree shape on a large board.
- Place celery stalk at the bottom for the trunk.
- Alternate rows of cheese cubes and grapes, narrowing as you go up.
- Add kiwi slices near the top for color.
- Place a slice of starfruit (or star-cut cheese) at the very top as the tree topper.
- Sprinkle cranberries and nuts around the tree for decoration.
- Surround with crackers and serve immediately—or cover and refrigerate until ready.
✨ This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is more than just food—it’s a holiday centerpiece that sparks conversation and delights guests. From simple and rustic to elaborate and colorful, your festive tree can be as creative as you want!