Holiday Charcuterie Board
A Holiday Charcuterie Board is the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering, filled with a colorful mix of cured meats, cheeses, crunchy crackers, and sweet, tangy fruits. It’s all about…
By Ava
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Reading time: 7 min
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A Holiday Charcuterie Board is the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering, filled with a colorful mix of cured meats, cheeses, crunchy crackers, and sweet, tangy fruits. It’s all about those delicious little bites that everyone can pick at while chatting and celebrating together. The variety makes it easy to please every taste, from salty and savory to sweet and fresh.
I love putting together my own holiday charcuterie board because it’s like creating a little edible art piece. I always try to include a balance of textures—like creamy brie, salty prosciutto, crunchy nuts, and juicy berries. One tip I’ve learned is to add some unexpected elements like a drizzle of honey or a handful of olives; it makes the whole board feel just a bit more special and exciting.
For me, this board is not just about food—it’s about the fun of sharing and gathering around something beautiful that’s easy to nibble on. It’s become a tradition to serve it with a good glass of wine or sparkling cider while catching up with family and friends. Honestly, it’s the kind of spread that makes the holiday vibe feel complete, simple and joyful all at once.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheeses: Using blue cheese, semi-soft cheese like Havarti, and a firm cheese such as cheddar creates good flavor contrast and texture. If you can’t find one, swap with gouda, Monterey jack, or even a mild goat cheese for variety.
Meats: Salami and prosciutto add the salty and savory backbone. If you prefer milder or different options, try pepperoni or smoked turkey slices.
Fruits & Nuts: Blackberries, cranberries, and dried oranges add freshness and sweetness that balance the richness. Fresh or dried figs, grapes, or apple slices are great alternatives. Candied pecans offer crunch and sweetness, but plain toasted nuts like almonds or cashews work well too.
Crackers & Olives: Round crackers make stacking easy and look nice. Feel free to mix in gluten-free crackers or crispbreads. Green olives bring a salty, briny pop, but you can substitute with pickles or marinated artichokes.
How Do You Arrange a Stunning Holiday Charcuterie Board?
Creating a visually festive board can feel tricky, but it’s all about layering and balance.
- Start with a focal point—in this case, the cheese Christmas tree. Cut varied cheese shapes and arrange in a tree shape from small pieces at top to larger at bottom.
- Fold or roll your meats for texture and place them in lines or semi-circles beside the cheese.
- Group nuts and fruits in small bowls or piles along the edges to add bursts of color and crunch.
- Place crackers strategically on two opposite sides so guests can grab easily.
- Use fresh herbs or pine sprigs as natural garnishes to give a festive and fresh look.
Taking your time and thinking about colors, textures, and shapes will make your board inviting and fun to explore. Don’t worry about perfection—natural rustic charm is part of the appeal!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large wooden or slate serving board – perfect for arranging all your cheeses, meats, and snacks in one spot with style.
- Small bowls or ramekins – great for holding olives, nuts, or berries and keeping things neat on the board.
- Cheese knives and spreaders – you’ll want a few types for slicing and spreading softer cheeses easily.
- Sharp paring knife – helpful for cutting cheese into cubes and slicing fruits or garnishes precisely.
- Serving utensils – small forks or toothpicks make picking up items easy and clean.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the blue cheese for a creamy goat cheese if you prefer milder, tangy flavors that pair well with fruits.
- Add smoked salmon or thinly sliced cured turkey for a different protein that’s festive and light.
- Include different fresh fruits like figs or apple slices for seasonal sweetness and crunch.
- Try adding a sprinkle of nuts like almonds or pistachios roasted with spices for extra texture and warmth.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cheeses:
- 6 oz blue cheese wedge
- 8 oz semi-soft cheese (e.g., Havarti or Monterey Jack)
- 8 oz firm cheese (e.g., cheddar or Gouda)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), finely chopped
Meats:
- 6 oz salami slices
- 6 oz prosciutto or cured ham slices
Fruits & Nuts:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or cherries
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and candied
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup dried or fresh orange slices (or tangerine slices)
Others:
- 2 cups round crackers
- Fresh rosemary or pine sprigs for garnish
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for candied nuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 20-30 minutes to prepare and arrange your charcuterie board. This includes slicing, cubing, folding meats, toasting nuts (if making your own), and assembling everything on the board. No cooking needed, just chopping and thoughtful arranging.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Christmas Tree:
Slice the blue cheese wedge vertically to form the top triangle of your Christmas tree shape. Cut the semi-soft cheese into medium cubes and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs for a pop of green. Cut the firm cheese into larger cubes. Arrange all the cheeses on your large serving board in a tree shape with blue cheese on top, followed by herb-coated semi-soft cubes, and then the firm cheese cubes creating the wider base.
2. Arrange the Meats:
Fold or roll the salami slices and arrange them in a semi-circle on one side of the cheese tree. Do the same with the prosciutto or cured ham, placing it on the other side. This frames your cheese tree nicely.
3. Add the Nuts & Fruits:
Place bowls or piles of candied pecans and walnuts near the base of the cheese tree. Scatter fresh blackberries by the meats for contrast. Decoratively sprinkle frozen cranberries, fresh cranberries or cherries around the board. Add a corner section of dried or fresh orange slices for a bright, festive touch.
4. Cracker and Olives:
Place two stacks or lines of round crackers on opposite sides of the board so everyone can grab easily. Add a small bowl or pile of green olives near the meats for a salty pop.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Tuck fresh rosemary or pine sprigs around the edges of the board to give it a festive evergreen look. You can sprinkle edible glitter or place small decorative snowflake accents on top of cheese or meats for extra holiday sparkle. Serve at room temperature with cheese knives, toothpicks, or cocktail forks for easy picking.
Can I Use Different Cheeses for the Charcuterie Board?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any cheeses you enjoy. Mild options like gouda, goat cheese, or mozzarella work great, and adding a variety of textures keeps the board interesting.
How Can I Make Candied Nuts at Home?
Simply toss pecans or walnuts with a bit of honey or maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon, then toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let them cool before adding to the board.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meats, cheeses, and fruits separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Crackers are best kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Can I Prepare the Board Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare and arrange everything about an hour before serving, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated. Remove about 20 minutes before serving to bring cheeses to room temperature for optimal flavor.