Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe

ByLily Monroe
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Introduction

The Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is a festive and delightful way to impress your guests during the holiday season. Featuring a beautiful arrangement of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, it’s as tasty as it is visually appealing. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy gatherings.

A triangular Christmas tree-shaped platter sits on a white marbled textured surface, made with seven layers from bottom to top: the base layer is folded slices of salami, followed by a row of white mozzarella balls garnished with rosemary; above that is a row of red cherry tomatoes; next is a layer of small cubes of orange and yellow cheese; on top of that is a layer of more folded salami slices; above it lies a mix of green olives and red raspberries; the next layer includes small cubes of pale yellow cheese; the topmost layer has thinly sliced salami fanned out and finished with a few dollops of white cream or cheese at the tip. Around the tree are star-shaped and round cookies, pecans, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and two red Christmas ornaments. A white plate holds round crackers with a small fork resting on its edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
  • 8 ounces large mozzarella balls
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese cubes
  • 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese cubes
  • 12 ounces assorted sliced cured meats (salami, coppa, sopressa)
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup green olives stuffed with pimentos
  • ½ cup almonds
  • Rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare a tree-shaped wooden board or purchase one. Make sure it is clean and food-safe. Cover it with plastic wrap or parchment paper if needed for extra protection.
  2. Step 2: Fold each slice of cured meat in half, then fold again. Secure the folds by inserting a toothpick through the bottom point. Continue adding folded meat pieces onto the toothpick and repeat with all meat slices.
  3. Step 3: Remove mozzarella balls from their packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Cut Colby Jack and Pepper Jack cheeses into half-inch cubes and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Wash and dry the raspberries, grape tomatoes, and olives thoroughly with paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the folded meats on the board in three horizontal rows to form the shape of the tree.
  6. Step 6: Add the mozzarella balls and cheese cubes in sections as shown, distributing colors evenly for a festive look.
  7. Step 7: Place raspberries, green olives, and grape tomatoes strategically on the board. Use almonds to create the tree trunk at the bottom.
  8. Step 8: Tuck rosemary sprigs into any empty spaces for a fragrant and festive garnish. Add optional crackers, sauces, and spreads nearby. Provide serving utensils and plates, then get ready to receive compliments!

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust ingredient quantities according to the size of your board—larger or smaller boards will require more or less of each item.
  • Choose simple, high-quality ingredients that your guests enjoy for the best results.
  • Include a variety of colors and textures by mixing different types of fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
  • Add seasonal herbs or edible flowers for extra holiday flair and aroma.
  • Serve with a selection of dips like mustard, hummus, or tapenade to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reassemble, let cheeses and meats come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to restore flavors. Fresh fruits and herbs are best eaten fresh for optimal taste and texture.

How to Serve

A festive Christmas tree made from different food layers is placed on a white marbled surface. The tree has seven layers: at the top are small white mozzarella balls arranged in a pointed shape, below them are slices of round salami in a fan shape, followed by yellow cheese cubes, then a layer of red raspberries, green grapes, thinly folded cured meat, orange and yellow cheese cubes, red grape tomatoes, small white mozzarella balls, and finally another layer of folded salami at the base. The tree trunk is made from stacked almonds. Around the tree are scattered pomegranate seeds, pecans, star-shaped and tree-shaped cookies, a white plate with crackers and a small fork resting on it, holiday ornaments, and sprigs of rosemary decorating the tree. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different shaped board?

Yes, any large platter or wooden board works well. The tree shape adds festive charm but isn’t required for a delicious charcuterie spread.

How far in advance can I prepare this board?

It’s best to assemble the board no more than a few hours before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and visually appealing.

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Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Recipe

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4.7 from 631 reviews

Create a festive and visually stunning Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board featuring an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and garnishes—all arranged beautifully on a tree-shaped wooden board, perfect for holiday parties or gatherings.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6–8 people 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 8 ounces small mozzarella balls
  • 8 ounces large mozzarella balls
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese cubes
  • 8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese cubes

Meats

  • 12 ounces assorted sliced cured meats (salami, coppa, sopressa)

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup green olives stuffed with pimentos

Nuts and Garnishes

  • ½ cup almonds
  • Rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Board: Select or create a wooden board shaped like a Christmas tree. Make sure it is clean and food-safe. If uncertain, cover the board with plastic wrap or parchment paper for hygiene.
  2. Prepare Meats: Take the sliced cured meats and fold each slice in half twice to create compact layers. Secure each folded stack by inserting a toothpick at the bottom point to keep the shape stable. Repeat until all the meats are folded and secured.
  3. Prepare Cheeses: Remove mozzarella balls from their packaging and dry them gently with paper towels. Cut the Colby Jack and Pepper Jack cheeses into half-inch cubes. Set all cheeses aside ready for arranging.
  4. Wash Produce: Rinse the raspberries, grape tomatoes, and green olives and pat them dry with paper towels to remove moisture for an optimal presentation.
  5. Assemble the Board: Begin by laying out the folded meats in three rows on the wooden board as a base layer. Next, arrange the cheeses attractively on top as shown in the reference. Add the raspberries, green olives, and grape tomatoes, distributing them evenly for color contrast. Place the almonds at the bottom to represent the ‘tree trunk.’
  6. Garnish and Finish: Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs into empty spaces to add a fresh herbal aroma and a festive look. Optionally, include crackers, sauces, and spreads on the side with appropriate serving utensils and plates. Your inviting charcuterie board is now ready to impress your guests.

Notes

  • The ingredient amounts correspond to a tree-shaped board measuring approximately 13 inches high and 9 inches wide; adjust quantities if using a different sized board.
  • For the perfect charcuterie board, select simple, high-quality ingredients guests love.
  • Incorporate a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts for contrasting textures and flavors.
  • Arrange all items attractively, grouping similar items and balancing colors for visual appeal.
  • Offer a selection of spreads like mustards, hummus, or tapenade to complement the board.
  • Serve with crackers or bread to round out the offering.
  • Use fresh herbs or seasonal flowers as garnish to enhance festive presentation.

Keywords: Christmas charcuterie board, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree appetizer, festive charcuterie, meat and cheese board, party platter

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