Description
Create a stunning and festive Christmas Charcuterie Board that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a delicious assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and savory extras, this appetizer is beautifully arranged to delight guests and bring Christmas cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 1 wheel of Brie or Camembert
- 1 block sharp Cheddar
- 1 wedge of Manchego or Gruyère
- Blue cheese or herbed goat cheese (optional)
Meats
- Salami slices
- Prosciutto
- Soppressata or chorizo
- Pâté or rillettes (optional)
Fruits & Veggies
- Red grapes
- Pomegranate seeds
- Kiwi slices or green apple
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber or baby carrots
Crunch & Extras
- Mixed nuts (candied pecans, pistachios, almonds)
- Green olives or cornichons
- Fig jam or honey
- Dried apricots or cranberries
- Breadsticks, crackers, crostini
Decorative Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Star-cut cheese shapes (optional)
Instructions
- Start with structure: Place your cheeses first, spacing them out to anchor the board visually. Pre-slice hard cheeses like sharp Cheddar and Manchego for easy grabbing, while keeping soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert whole and provide a knife for slicing.
- Add meats: Fold prosciutto into delicate ribbons, roll salami slices, or create small meat “roses” with soppressata or chorizo. Arrange the meats close to the cheeses to encourage pairing.
- Place bowls: Add small ramekins or bowls filled with fig jam or honey, olives, and mixed nuts. These not only add flavor options but also provide height and visual breaks on the board.
- Fill in with fruits and veggies: Scatter fresh red grapes, pomegranate seeds, kiwi slices or green apple, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber or baby carrots around the cheeses and meats. Use the red and green color palette to bring a festive Christmas vibe.
- Add crunch: Scatter an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, mixed nuts, and dried fruits like apricots or cranberries around the board. Allow some to spill slightly off the edges for a casual, natural look.
- Garnish last: Finish with fresh rosemary sprigs arranged like pine needles for a holiday touch and add star-cut cheese shapes if desired to create a charming festive presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit all meats and add more fruit, nuts, and cheese varieties.
- Use seasonal fruits for freshness and flavor variation.
- Include small serving utensils and knives to make it easy for guests to pick and choose.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead; cover and refrigerate, then garnish just before serving.
- Consider pairing with your favorite holiday wines or sparkling beverages.
