Nothing sets a cozy holiday mood like a colorful grazing board shaped like a tree. This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is bright, playful, and surprisingly simple to assemble. Use my step-by-step guide as a template and swap in your favorites.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- 1 Large cutting board or tray
- 1 Parchment Paper optional, for easy cleanup
- 3 Small bowls for hummus, mustard, jam
- 1 Paring knife or small star cutter for cheese star
- 2 Small tongs
- 12 Cocktail picks
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 24 oz assorted cheeses choose 2–3 varieties: cheddar cubes, gouda slices, brie wedge, goat cheese log, mozzarella pearls
- 1 wedge brie optional, for variety
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
Meats
- 20 oz assorted meats choose 2–3: turkey salami, smoked turkey, roast beef, beef pepperoni, sliced chicken sausage
Fresh Produce
- 3 cups seedless grapes mix red and green
- 2 cucumbers sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mini bell peppers sliced or whole
- 0.5 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 apples sliced; toss with lemon to prevent browning
- 3 clementines peeled and segmented
Crunchy Elements
- 12 oz assorted crackers
- 4 oz breadsticks
- 4 oz pretzel sticks
- 6 oz crostini
- 1 cup roasted nuts almonds or pistachios
Dips & Spreads
- 1 cup hummus
- 0.25 cup whole grain mustard
- 0.33 cup fig jam
- 2 tbsp honey
- 0.5 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt fruit dip sweetened with honey and a splash of alcohol-free vanilla extract
Garnish
- 8 sprigs fresh rosemary for outlining branches
- 1 slice cheddar or gouda cut into a star for the top
- 1 pretzel sticks or small baguette piece for the tree trunk
Instructions
Assemble the Board
- Choose a large cutting board or tray. Line with parchment for easy cleanup. Rinse and dry produce. Cube or slice cheeses and fold meats into ribbons or small rosettes.
- Set 2–3 small bowls on the board for hummus, mustard, and jam. Space them in a zigzag to help define the tree shape.
- Use rosemary sprigs to lightly outline a triangle, wide at the base and narrowing to a point. Leave room at the bottom for the trunk.
- Working from the bottom up, add rows: crackers, a row of cheese, a row of folded meats, then grapes and cucumbers. Repeat, slightly narrowing each row as you go to keep the triangle shape crisp.
- Tuck in cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, and pomegranate arils like ornaments. Cut a cheddar or gouda star and place it at the top. Add pretzel sticks at the base for the trunk.
- Fill gaps with nuts and extra rosemary. Keep chilled until serving, then set out with small tongs, cocktail picks, and napkins.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- No cook and low stress. It comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Flexible for any crowd size, budget, or taste.
- Balanced sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy bites in every layer.
- Showstopping centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer and conversation starter.
- Easy to prep ahead and refresh right before guests arrive.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Ingredients & Substitutions
Use this as a mix-and-match guide. For a medium board that serves 8 to 10, plan 2 to 3 cheeses, 2 to 3 meats, and plenty of colorful produce and crunch.
- Cheeses: cheddar cubes, gouda slices, brie wedge, goat cheese log, mozzarella pearls. Sub with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or pepper jack for heat.
- Meats: turkey salami, smoked turkey, roast beef slices, beef pepperoni, sliced chicken sausage. If you prefer a lighter board, use grilled chicken strips or skip meats and add extra cheese and nuts.
- Fresh produce: seedless red and green grapes, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, pomegranate arils, apple slices, clementine segments.
- Crunchy elements: assorted crackers, breadsticks, pretzel sticks, crostini, roasted almonds or pistachios.
- Dips and spreads: hummus, whole grain mustard, fig jam, honey, cranberry sauce, Greek yogurt fruit dip sweetened with honey and a splash of alcohol-free vanilla extract.
- Garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs for the tree branches, a cheddar or gouda star, and pretzel sticks or a small piece of baguette for the trunk.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
1. Prep the board
Choose a large cutting board or tray. Line with parchment if you want easy cleanup. Rinse and dry produce. Cube or slice cheeses and fold meats into ribbons or small rosettes.
2. Place small bowls
Set 2 to 3 small bowls on the board for hummus, mustard, and a sweet jam. Space them in a zigzag so they help define the tree shape.
3. Outline the tree
Use rosemary sprigs to lightly outline a triangle. Start wide at the bottom and narrow to a point. Leave a little space at the base for the trunk.
4. Build in layers
From the bottom up, add rows: crackers, a row of cheese, a row of folded meats, then grapes and cucumbers. Repeat, slightly narrowing each row as you move upward so the triangle shape stays clear.
5. Add ornaments and the star
Tuck in cherry tomatoes, mini peppers, and pomegranate arils like ornaments. Cut a star from a cheddar slice and place at the top. Add pretzel sticks at the base for the trunk.
6. Finish and chill
Fill gaps with nuts and extra rosemary. Keep the board chilled until serving, then set it out with small tongs, cocktail picks, and napkins.
Tips for Success
- Fold meats into halves or quarters to create volume and tidy rows.
- Cut cheeses in different shapes for texture: cubes, slices, and small wedges.
- Work from the outside in so the tree outline stays crisp.
- Use color contrast in each row to make the tree pop in photos.
- Dress apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Refresh crackers just before serving so they stay crisp.
Variations of Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Kid-friendly: mild cheeses, turkey slices rolled up, cucumber coins, strawberries, and animal crackers.
- Cheese-forward: add blue cheese, aged cheddar, and a soft-ripened cheese, plus nuts and dried fruit.
- Mediterranean: hummus, olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta, grilled chicken strips, and pita chips.
- Smoky: smoked gouda, smoked turkey, roasted almonds, and a drizzle of hot honey.
- Vegetarian: skip meats and add marinated artichokes, extra cheeses, spiced nuts, and roasted peppers.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Sips: sparkling grape juice, spiced apple cider, citrus-infused water, or hot cocoa.
- Sides: warm baguette slices, herbed olives, marinated mushrooms, and a simple green salad.
- Sweet bites: dark chocolate squares, dried apricots, or a small bowl of candied pecans.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. Refrigerate leftover meats and cheeses in airtight containers up to 3 days. Keep produce and dips covered and chilled. Store crackers and breadsticks separately in airtight bags to maintain crunch. Refresh the board with new crackers and a handful of fresh grapes right before serving leftovers.
Memories Made Around the Table
We set this board out as the tree lights go on, and everyone gathers to pick their favorites. It is simple, festive, and instantly makes the night feel special.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Arrange cheeses, produce, and dips up to 6 hours ahead, cover, and chill. Add crackers and breadsticks just before serving.
What meats work best?
Turkey salami, smoked turkey, roast beef, beef pepperoni, and sliced chicken sausage hold their shape well and offer a good flavor range.
How big should the board be?
A 12 by 18 inch board serves 8 to 10 as an appetizer. Scale up to a sheet pan or use two boards for larger gatherings.
How do I keep the tree shape neat?
Outline with rosemary first, then build in tidy rows, narrowing slightly as you go. Use small bowls as anchors and fill gaps with nuts.
Any cheese-cutting tips?
Cut one cheese into cubes, one into thin slices, and leave a small wedge whole for variety. Use a paring knife or small cutters for the star.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is festive, flexible, and guaranteed to impress. Follow the template, swap in what you love, and enjoy every colorful bite.