This cheerful board turns simple bites into a centerpiece. Arrange meats, cheeses, fruit, and crunchy extras in a festive tree shape, then let everyone nibble as they mingle. It is low-stress, eye-catching, and delicious.

Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie

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Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Servings people

Equipment

1 Large serving board or sheet pan lined with parchment
3 Small ramekins or bowls for dips
1 Paring knife
1 Small star-shaped cutter (optional), for cheese star

Ingredients

Meats

3 oz bresaola thinly sliced
3 oz salami sliced (beef or turkey)
3 oz turkey pepperoni
3 oz smoked turkey breast sliced
6 oz cooked chicken sausage sliced, cooled (optional)

Cheeses

4 oz cheddar cut into cubes
4 oz gouda or Colby Jack cubed
6 oz Brie or camembert wedge
4 oz mozzarella pearls
1 oz firm yellow cheese to cut a small star for the top

Crackers and bread

12 oz assorted crackers
2 cup crostini
8 breadsticks
12 pretzel sticks for the trunk

Fresh fruit and veggies

2 cup grapes
1 cup strawberries
2 kiwi sliced
2 clementines segmented
0.5 cup pomegranate arils
1 cucumber sliced into rounds
1 cup cherry tomatoes

Pickles and briny bites

0.75 cup olives
0.5 cup cornichons
0.5 cup pepperoncini

Crunchy extras

0.5 cup almonds
0.5 cup pistachios
0.5 cup roasted chickpeas if avoiding nuts

Dips and spreads

0.5 cup fig jam
0.25 cup honey
0.33 cup whole grain or Dijon mustard
1 cup hummus
0.5 cup olive tapenade

Garnish

8 fresh rosemary sprigs
4 thyme or mint sprigs

Instructions

Build the Tree

Choose a large rectangle or sheet pan lined with parchment. Place small ramekins for dips where you want them, keeping a tall triangle silhouette in mind.
Use rosemary sprigs to sketch a tall triangle, wider at the base and narrow at the top. Leave space at the bottom for a pretzel or breadstick trunk.
Create horizontal rows from top to bottom, alternating colors and textures. For example, top row of mozzarella pearls, then a row of bresaola folds, then cheddar cubes, then turkey pepperoni rounds. Tuck pieces snugly so the shape holds.
Fill gaps with grapes, berries, cucumber rounds, and tomatoes. Sprinkle pomegranate arils like ornaments. Add olives and cornichons near the edges for contrast.
Cut a small cheese star and place at the tip. Build a sturdy trunk with pretzel sticks or a halved breadstick. Slide in extra rosemary for that evergreen look. Set out crackers and crostini around the base or on a side platter.

Notes

No reheating needed. If assembling ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day; add crackers just before serving so they stay crisp. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 2 days, keeping crackers separate.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie

It is a showstopper that doubles as decor and appetizer.
Prep friendly with easy swaps for what you have on hand.
Balanced flavors and textures so there is something for everyone.

Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Ingredients & Substitutions

Meats: thin slices of beef bresaola, beef or turkey salami, turkey pepperoni, smoked turkey breast. You can also add cooked chicken sausage coins, cooled and sliced.
Cheeses: cheddar cubes, gouda or Colby Jack, Brie or camembert wedge, mozzarella pearls. Use a firm yellow cheese to cut a small star for the top.
Crackers and bread: assorted crackers, crostini, breadsticks, pretzel sticks for the trunk.
Fresh fruit and veggies: grapes, strawberries, kiwi slices, clementine segments, pomegranate arils, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes.
Pickles and briny bites: olives, cornichons, pepperoncini.
Crunchy extras: almonds, pistachios, or roasted chickpeas if avoiding nuts.
Dips and spreads: fig jam, honey, whole grain or Dijon mustard, hummus, olive tapenade.
Garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs for the tree effect, plus thyme or mint for added green.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie

1. Prep the board

Choose a large rectangle or sheet pan lined with parchment. Place small ramekins for dips where you want them, keeping a tall triangle silhouette in mind.

2. Outline the tree

Use rosemary sprigs to sketch a tall triangle, wider at the base and narrow at the top. Leave space at the bottom for a pretzel or breadstick trunk.

3. Layer cheeses and meats

Create horizontal rows from top to bottom, alternating colors and textures. For example, top row of mozzarella pearls, then a row of bresaola folds, then cheddar cubes, then turkey pepperoni rounds. Tuck pieces snugly so the shape holds.

4. Add fruit, veggies, and sparkle

Fill gaps with grapes, berries, cucumber rounds, and tomatoes. Sprinkle pomegranate arils like ornaments. Add olives and cornichons near the edges for contrast.

5. Finish the details

Cut a small cheese star and place at the tip. Build a sturdy trunk with pretzel sticks or a halved breadstick. Slide in extra rosemary for that evergreen look. Set out crackers and crostini around the base or on a side platter.

Tips for Success

Cut cheeses into a mix of cubes, slices, and wedges for visual interest.
Fold meats into ribbons or rosettes so they look abundant.
Balance color in every row. Alternate pale cheeses with darker meats and bright fruit.
Anchor dips in small bowls first, then build around them.
Chill components, then assemble 30 to 60 minutes before guests arrive for best texture.

Variations of Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie

Cheese and fruit tree: skip meats and load up extra cheeses, grapes, berries, and dried apricots.
Smoky touch: add a light sprinkle of smoked paprika over mozzarella pearls.
Mediterranean style: swap in feta cubes, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and hummus.
Brunch board: include smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, cucumbers, and mini bagel chips.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie

Bread basket with warm baguette slices and herbed butter.
Crisp veggies like celery and snap peas for dipping.
Sips: sparkling grape juice, spiced apple cider, or citrus water with rosemary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

There is no reheating needed. If assembling ahead, cover the board tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add crackers just before serving so they stay crisp. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 2 days, keeping crackers separate.

Memories Made Around the Table

Every year I build this tree while holiday music plays and the lights glow. The little garnishes become tiny ornaments, and before long everyone is gathered, snacking and laughing.

FAQs

How much should I plan per person? Aim for 3 to 4 ounces total meat and cheese per guest when serving as an appetizer, plus plenty of fruit and crackers.

Can I make it ahead? Prep and cut everything 1 to 2 days ahead, store separately, then assemble the board up to 4 hours before serving. Add herbs and crackers last.

How do I keep the tree shape neat? Build tight rows, tuck in pieces close together, and use small bowls as anchors. Chill the board so cheeses stay firm.

What size board do I need? A 12 by 18 inch board works for 8 to 10 people. Scale up to a sheet pan or use two boards for larger groups.

Final Thoughts

This playful centerpiece is easy to tailor to your crowd and makes any gathering feel special. Keep it colorful, keep it simple, and enjoy every bite.