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 recipe always brings joy to our holiday parties and sparks conversation among guests with its creative presentation.
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, 1⁄2 cup black olives, 1⁄2 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
- Outline the tree:
- On a large rectangular serving board, use rosemary sprigs to outline the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Arrange base:
- Starting from the bottom, arrange sliced baguette and crackers in a wide row for the tree base.
- Layer ingredients:
- 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.
- Add topper:
- Place the star-shaped cheese slice at the top as the tree topper.
- Decorate gaps:
- Fill in any gaps with additional rosemary sprigs and red bell pepper strips for decoration.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save Our family loves gathering around this board, sharing stories and snacking as we prepare for festive celebrations.
Tips for Serving
Pair the board with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors.
Variations
Drizzle with honey or serve with a side of fig jam for added sweetness and variety.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate leftovers, best consumed within 24 hours to maintain freshness.
Save This charcuterie board is sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I create the Christmas tree shape?
Use rosemary sprigs to outline the tree on a large serving board. Arrange the ingredients in horizontal rows tapering upward, starting with crackers and bread at the base.
- → Can this board be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free crackers and omit the baguette to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → What cheeses work best for this board?
Cheddar, gouda, fresh mozzarella balls, and brie provide a range of textures and flavors that complement the meats and fruits.
- → How can I adapt this for vegetarian guests?
Omit the meats and add extra vegetables or marinated tofu to maintain variety and balance in flavors.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs form the tree branches, and a star-shaped slice of cheddar or gouda tops the tree for a festive look.
- → Are there recommended pairings for this board?
A crisp white wine or sparkling cider pairs wonderfully, balancing the rich meats and creamy cheeses.