Cheese and Charcuterie Christmas Tree Recipe – Festive
The Cheese and Charcuterie Christmas Tree recipe is a fun and festive way to present a holiday appetizer that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching. This holiday-inspired platter combines a variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, and garnishes arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in, this tree-shaped charcuterie board allows you to indulge in your favorite snacks while celebrating the holiday season in style.
This recipe gives you the flexibility to tailor the ingredients to suit your tastes, whether you prefer bold cheeses, savory cured meats, or sweet fruits and nuts. The combination of textures and flavors, from creamy cheeses to tangy pickles, makes this a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any celebration.
Ingredients:
- Cheeses:
- 1 block of aged cheddar
- 1 block of Brie cheese
- 1 wedge of blue cheese
- 1 small log of goat cheese
- Charcuterie:
- 100g salami slices
- 100g prosciutto
- 100g chorizo
- 100g pepperoni slices
- Fruits and Garnishes:
- Red grapes (for tree ornaments)
- Fresh cranberries (for tree ornaments)
- Green olives (for tree decor)
- Small sprigs of fresh rosemary (for tree branches)
- Accompaniments:
- Assorted crackers (crispbread, water crackers)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Honey or fig jam (for drizzling or dipping)
- Dried fruits (apricots, figs)
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the cheeses into a variety of shapes: cubes, wedges, and rounds.
- Arrange the sliced meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo, and pepperoni) into manageable portions.
- Wash the grapes and cranberries thoroughly, and set aside.
- Cut the rosemary sprigs into smaller pieces for decorating the tree.
- Assemble the Cheese and Charcuterie Tree:
- On a large, flat platter, place a small bowl or star-shaped object at the top to act as the “tree topper.”
- Start arranging the cheese slices in the shape of a tree. Layer them from the bottom up, ensuring the layers are larger at the bottom and taper towards the top.
- Use the sliced meats to fill in around the cheese, creating a textured and colorful look.
- Add small clusters of grapes, olives, and cranberries as ornaments on the tree.
- Place rosemary sprigs between the layers to mimic the look of tree branches.
- Use the dried fruits and nuts to fill in gaps and add extra texture.
- Optionally, drizzle honey or fig jam over the cheeses for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cheese and charcuterie tree immediately as a festive appetizer, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: None required
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisines:
American, European (French, Italian)
Course:
Appetizer, Party Snack
Servings:
Serves 6-8
Equipment:
- Large serving platter or board
- Cheese knives
- Small bowl for the tree topper (optional)
- Knife for slicing meats and cheeses
The Cheese and Charcuterie Christmas Tree is the ultimate crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Its creative and festive design, combined with a mix of rich cheeses, savory charcuterie, and colorful garnishes, ensures that it will steal the show at any party. Plus, it’s versatile—allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit different tastes. This fun twist on a charcuterie board is a guaranteed hit for Christmas parties, family dinners, or any holiday celebration!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.