This Christmas tree charcuterie board will be the hit of your holiday party!
Loaded with seasonal cheeses, meats and all the accompaniments in a festive tree shape, it’s just the thing to get you into the holiday spirit.
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that my cheese boards can get a little… over the top. And that’s ok for fellow cheese nerds like myself.
But this Christmas charcuterie board is the opposite of fancy. We’re using affordable cheeses, meats and fresh fruit that can all be found in the regular grocery store. So you can spend your money on presents this holiday season!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this charcuterie tree:
- Sharp cheddar cheese. We’re using both white and yellow.
- Aged gouda cheese
- Port wine cheese
- Red grapes
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Candied pecans
How to Build a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Make the Star
First things first, and that’s making the cheese star for the top of the tree.
Press a star-shaped cookie cutter into a block of port wine cheese. Carefully slice away the excess cheese and freeze, cookie cutter and all, for at least 45 minutes.
Form the tree outline
We’re using sprigs of rosemary to form the shape of a Christmas tree. This will give you a pretty frame for your cheese and charcuterie.
Make the tree trunk
Use candied pecans to form the tree trunk. Simply line them up vertically in a few rows at the bottom of the tree.
Fill in the tree shape
Now, arrange the cheese, meats and grapes inside the sprigs of rosemary. I like to slice the cheeses in different ways (one in cubes, another in straight slices and another in wedges) for added visual interest.
Arrange your charcuterie in horizontal rows, diagonal rows or simply in small piles within the frame. Let your creativity be your guide!
Place the Star on Top of the Tree
Once everything is arranged inside the tree, it’s time for the finishing touch.
Remove the cheese star from the freezer and gently push it out of the cookie cutter.
Place the cheese star on top of the tree and garnish it with your choice of fresh herbs, pomegranate arils and fresh cranberries.
Watch how to make a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board!
Serving Suggestions
Set this Christmas tree cheese board out at holiday parties with some of these delicious accompaniments:
- assorted crackers, breads and pretzel sticks
- seasonal fresh fruit like grapes, persimmon, apples, cranberries and pomegranate
- spreads like fruit jams, honey and apple butter
- nuts, green olives and mini gherkins
Variations
The great thing about a cheese and charcuterie board is that you can customize it with all of your favorites to suit the season!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. The cheeses: We’ve kept it super simple here, but if you want to fancy it up, consider trying an aged cheese like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, a mild creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert, or a soft cheese like Boursin or goat cheese. Just choose your favorite cheeses and create!
2. The meats: Pepperoni would be a great addition to this board, as would summer sausage or Italian deli meats.
3. The fruit: Seasonal fresh fruits are a must! Try green grapes, sweet apples, fresh figs or blood oranges. You could also incorporate dried fruits like cranberries and apricots.
4. The spreads: Fig jam is a great option for this time of year, as are cranberry sauce and apricot jam.
What size board should you use for this Christmas tree charcuterie board?
The size of the board will dictate how large you can make your Christmas tree, so I’d recommend using the biggest one you have!
The shape doesn’t matter either, as long as you have space to create the Christmas tree shape.
For a more polished look, go for a black slate or white marble board. For something more rustic, choose a wooden board.
How long can a cheese board sit out?
Cheeses and meats taste better at room temperature, so it’s okay to leave this board out for several hours at holiday gatherings.
Leaving it out is a great way to keep your guests grazing all night!
Make Ahead and Storage Options
Make Ahead
This Christmas tree board can be assembled completely in advance! Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator if it will be more than a few hours before party time.
Storage
Leftover charcuterie? No problem. Grab small sandwich bags and store the meats and cheeses separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you make this festive charcuterie board, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more holiday appetizers, try these:
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- 1 star-shaped cookie cutter
Ingredients
- 8 oz. sharp yellow cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. aged gouda cheese
- 1 brick port wine cheese
- 4 oz. sliced deli salami
- 4 oz. sliced prosciutto
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes
- 6-8 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup candied pecans
- pomegranate seeds garnish, optional
- fresh cranberries garnish, optional
Instructions
- Press a star cookie cutter into the block of port wine cheese. Wrap the cheese with cookie cutter in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 45 minutes.
- Create the outline of the Christmas tree using the rosemary sprigs.
- Cut the white cheddar into cubes. Cut the yellow cheddar into slices. Cut the gouda into wedges.
- Arrange the cheese, grapes and meats inside the tree outline in horizontal or diagonal lines.
- Remove the port wine star from the freezer and carefully pop it out of the cookie cutter. Place it on top of the tree. Garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh cranberries.
- Serve with assorted crackers, nuts, olives, pickles, jams and honey.
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