Description
A festive and visually stunning Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board perfect for beginners. This easy-to-assemble board uses a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, cured meats, and fresh herbs arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, making it the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meat
- 6 to 8 ounces semi-hard cheeses like gouda, cheddar, and havarti
- 3 ounces salami
- Crackers (enough to create multiple layers)
Fruits and Nuts
- 10 to 15 red grapes
- 1/2 cup marcona almonds
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup candied ginger
- Handful of olives
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 to 3 mini cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 4 to 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Serving
- Honey for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the board: Select a cheese board at least 18 inches in diameter to have enough space to create the Christmas tree shape.
- Create the tree outline: Take a roll of string and shape it into an even triangle on the board. Tape each of the three corners to keep it secure.
- Layer the base: Arrange one layer of crackers to form the 1st row at the bottom of the triangle.
- Add cheese and grapes: Place sticks of cheese above the crackers, followed by a row of red grapes.
- Add cucumbers: Layer two rows of sliced mini cucumbers above the grapes.
- Sprinkle almonds: Add a layer of marcona almonds, mounding lightly to fill gaps.
- Add raspberries and cheese cubes: Place two rows of raspberries, then a generous amount of cubed cheese above them.
- Layer salami and crackers: Fold salami slices and add as the next layer, then fill in gaps with more crackers.
- Top with star-shaped cheese: Cut cheese into stars or snowflakes and arrange at the top to resemble a tree topper.
- Decorate with ginger, rosemary, and olives: Scatter candied ginger pieces among the layers for sparkle, wedge sprigs of fresh rosemary throughout to mimic tree branches, and place olives to look like ornaments.
- Finalize and serve: Carefully remove the string from the board and serve the charcuterie with honey on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- Use string to create a precise triangular outline for easy layering of ingredients.
- Choosing a sturdy board with enough space is key for presentation.
- Fold salami slices to add texture and volume to the board.
- Candied ginger and rosemary not only add flavor but also enhance the festive look.
- Serve with honey to complement the savory and sweet flavors.
- This recipe serves about 6 people as an appetizer or snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 board
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg