Description
Create a festive and visually stunning Christmas charcuterie board shaped like a Christmas tree. This easy-to-assemble platter combines a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and snacks, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and entertaining with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 1 slice Colby jack cheese (for the star)
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese cubes
- 6 ounces pepper jack cheese cubes
Meats
- 3 ounces dry salami
Produce & Fruits
- 1 bunch green grapes
- 6 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber (small, sliced into rounds)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Snacks & Garnishes
- 8-12 round crackers
- 10 mini pretzel sticks (for the trunk)
- Sprigs of fresh thyme or fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the tree topper: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut a star out of the Colby jack cheese slice. Place this star at the top of a wooden cutting board to serve as the Christmas tree topper.
- Add the grapes: Arrange a bunch of green grapes beneath the cheese star to form the first layer of the tree, giving it a fresh and colorful start.
- Place the crackers: Lay 8-12 round crackers in an angled row beneath the grapes, creating the next tier of the tree’s shape.
- Arrange the salami: Fold each slice of dry salami into quarters and place them neatly in a row behind the crackers to add texture and protein.
- Add the cheddar cheese cubes: Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes under the crackers in a slightly longer row to begin shaping the fuller part of the tree.
- Layer cherry tomatoes: Position cherry tomatoes as the next layer, making the row slightly longer to continue the tree shape with vibrant, juicy bites.
- Add pepper jack cheese cubes, cranberries, and cucumber: Continue layering with pepper jack cheese cubes, then sprinkle dried cranberries and cucumber slices to add color, texture, and flavor variety.
- Form the tree trunk: Place 10 mini pretzel sticks at the bottom center of the display horizontally to mimic the Christmas tree trunk.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Insert sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary between some rows to resemble tree branches and add a fragrant herbal note to the board.
Notes
- Use a wooden cutting board or large serving platter for the best presentation.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses or meats based on your preference or dietary needs.
- This charcuterie board can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- To keep crackers crisp, place them just before serving if prepping in advance.
- Fresh herbs can be replaced with edible greens like kale or parsley for garnish.
