This festive board turns simple meats, cheeses, and fruit into a showstopping centerpiece. It is quick to assemble, easy to customize, and always the first thing guests reach for. Set it out and watch the holiday magic happen.
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
Equipment
- 1 Large round board or platter
- 2 Small bowls for dips and wet items
- 1 Rimmed tray (for transport)
Ingredients
Herb base
- Fresh rosemary sprigs rinsed and dried
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Cured meats
- Turkey salami folded
- Turkey pepperoni folded
- Thin-sliced beef bresaola or pastrami rolled
- Cooked turkey bacon crisp pieces (optional)
Cheeses
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Aged cheddar cut in cubes
- Brie or camembert wedge
- Goat cheese log
Crackers and breads
- Assorted crackers
- Baguette sliced
- Breadsticks
- Pretzels
Fruits
- Red and green grapes
- Strawberries
- Apple slices tossed in lemon water
- Pomegranate arils
- Fresh cranberries for decoration
Veggies
- Cucumber rounds
- Cherry tomatoes
- Baby bell peppers
Pickles and olives
- Castelvetrano or kalamata olives
- Cornichons
- Pepperoncini
Nuts and extras
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Dried apricots
- Dark chocolate squares
Dips and sauces
- Whole-grain mustard
- Honey
- Fig or grape jam
- Olive oil with herbs for drizzling
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary bow or festive ribbon
Instructions
Assemble the wreath
- Choose a large round board or platter. Rinse and dry rosemary and thyme. Arrange rosemary around the outer edge in a ring to outline the wreath.
- Add small bowls for mustard and jam. Tuck a brie wedge and clusters of cheddar and mozzarella around the ring to create balance and spacing.
- Fold turkey salami and turkey pepperoni into halves or quarters for ruffles. Roll thin slices of beef bresaola or pastrami. Nestle meats in pockets between cheeses along the rosemary ring.
- Fill gaps with grapes, strawberries, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cornichons. Sprinkle pomegranate arils and a few cranberries for festive pops of red.
- Fan crackers and breadsticks on the outer edge or serve in a basket alongside so they stay crisp.
- Drizzle mozzarella with a touch of olive oil and herbs. Add nuts and dried fruit. Tie a small ribbon into a bow and place it at the bottom of the wreath. Chill until serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
- Beautiful centerpiece that doubles as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- No cooking required, just thoughtful layering and textures.
- Flexible for different tastes and budgets, plus make-ahead friendly.
- Built-in portion control with bite-size elements and small bowls.
Christmas Charcuterie Wreath Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme to form the wreath shape.
- Cured meats: turkey salami, turkey pepperoni, beef bresaola or thin-sliced beef pastrami. You can also add crisp turkey bacon pieces.
- Cheeses: mini mozzarella balls, aged cheddar cubes, a creamy brie or camembert wedge, and goat cheese logs.
- Crackers and breads: assorted crackers, baguette slices, breadsticks, and pretzels.
- Fruits: red and green grapes, strawberries, apple slices (tossed in lemon water), pomegranate arils, and fresh cranberries for decoration.
- Veggies: cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and baby bell peppers.
- Pickles and olives: castelvetrano or kalamata olives, cornichons, and pepperoncini.
- Nuts and extras: pistachios, almonds, dried apricots, and dark chocolate squares.
- Dips and sauces: whole-grain mustard, honey, fig or grape jam, and olive oil with herbs for drizzling.
- Garnish: fresh rosemary “bow” or a ribbon for a festive finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
Step 1: Prep the base
Choose a large round board or platter. Rinse and dry rosemary and thyme. Arrange rosemary around the outer edge in a ring to outline the wreath.
Step 2: Place cheese anchors
Add small bowls for mustard and jam. Tuck a brie wedge and clusters of cheddar and mozzarella around the ring to create balance and spacing.
Step 3: Fold and tuck meats
Fold turkey salami and turkey pepperoni into halves or quarters for ruffles. Roll thin slices of beef bresaola or pastrami. Nestle meats in pockets between cheeses along the rosemary ring.
Step 4: Add color and crunch
Fill gaps with grapes, strawberries, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cornichons. Sprinkle pomegranate arils and a few cranberries for festive pops of red.
Step 5: Crackers and breads
Fan crackers and breadsticks on the outer edge or serve in a basket alongside so they stay crisp.
Step 6: Finish and garnish
Drizzle mozzarella with a touch of olive oil and herbs. Add nuts and dried fruit. Tie a small ribbon into a bow and place it at the bottom of the wreath. Chill until serving.
Tips for Success
- Work cold. Keep meats and cheeses chilled until assembly.
- Use odd-numbered clusters for a natural look.
- Layer from big to small: greenery, bowls, cheese, meats, then colorful accents.
- Prevent browning by tossing apple slices in lemon water.
- Place wet items like olives in bowls so crackers stay crisp.
- Add final herb sprigs right before guests arrive for freshness.
Variations of Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
- Mediterranean: add hummus, feta cubes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olive tapenade.
- Spicy: use hot turkey pepperoni, pepper jack, and pickled jalapeños.
- Kid-friendly: more mild cheeses, sweet grapes, sliced turkey, and pretzels.
- Mini wreaths: build personal plates with tiny rosemary circles.
- Veg-forward: roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, grilled zucchini ribbons, and extra hummus.
- Winter fruit: satsuma segments, pears, dried figs, and walnuts.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Charcuterie Wreath
- Sparkling grape juice or citrus spritzers.
- Warm marinated olives and herby roasted nuts.
- Light salad with citrus vinaigrette.
- Focaccia or soft rolls for building small bites.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. Keep meats and cheeses covered and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. Add crackers just before serving. Leftovers store in airtight containers in the fridge for 2 days. Discard items left out over 2 hours. Refresh greens and herbs when serving again.
Memories Made Around the Table
I love setting this out while the tree lights glow and holiday music plays. Everyone gathers around, building little bites and sharing favorites. It makes the evening feel extra special.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the wreath with meats, cheeses, and fruits up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and chill. Add crackers, nuts, and fresh herbs right before serving.
What meats should I use if I do not eat pork?
Choose turkey salami, turkey pepperoni, thin-sliced beef bresaola or pastrami, and cooked turkey bacon pieces. These give great flavor and texture.
How large should my board be?
For 8 to 10 guests, a 14 to 16 inch round board works well. For bigger crowds, use a 20 inch platter or make two smaller wreaths.
How do I transport the wreath?
Build it on a rimmed tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep cold. Pack crackers separately and add them on arrival.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Charcuterie Wreath is festive, flexible, and simple to pull together. With fresh herbs, bright fruit, and savory bites, it brings cheer to any gathering.