Description
These festive Charcuterie Tree Skewers are perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, combining savory cheeses, cured meats, and olives threaded on small skewers and topped with charming cheddar stars. Ready in just 20 minutes, they offer an easy, visually appealing appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 12 cubes cheddar cheese (¾-inch cubes)
- 12 cubes Monterey Jack cheese (¾-inch cubes)
- 12 cheddar stars (cut using a mini cookie cutter)
Meats
- 12 slices salami (folded into quarters)
- 12 slices pepperoni (folded into quarters)
Other
- 12 green olives
- 12 small skewers or toothpicks
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheeses: Cut cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into ¾-inch cubes. Use a mini star-shaped cookie cutter to cut cheddar stars from block cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the meats: Fold each slice of salami and pepperoni into quarters, making them bite-sized and easy to layer on skewers.
- Assemble the base: Thread one cube of Monterey Jack cheese onto each skewer to serve as the base of the skewer.
- Layer the meats and olives: Following the Monterey Jack cube, layer a folded slice of salami, then a green olive, followed by a pepperoni slice. Repeat layering if desired for a fuller skewer.
- Add the cheddar star topper: Place a cheddar star on top of each skewer to resemble a festive tree topper.
- Arrange and garnish: Arrange all the completed skewers neatly on a serving platter. Sprinkle with dried Italian herbs or chopped parsley if using, to add an aromatic and colorful touch.
- Serve: Serve the skewers chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a mini star-shaped cookie cutter for charming cheddar star toppers.
- Folding the salami and pepperoni into quarters makes the skewers easier to assemble and eat.
- Optional herbs add visual appeal and subtle herbal notes.
- These skewers can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled until serving.
