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Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board: A Showstopper

Christmas tree charcuterie board - featured image
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A stunning Christmas tree-shaped charcuterie board that comes together in about 20 minutes. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this showstopper features layers of meat, cheese, and festive toppings that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Fresh thyme or sage (optional)
  • 1 cup pitted green olives
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (raw or lightly blanched)
  • 6–8 slices prosciutto
  • 4–5 slices salami
  • Pepperoni (optional)
  • 4 slices capicola or soppressata
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar (cut into cubes or stars)
  • 4 oz Gouda or Edam (sliced into thin wedges)
  • 4 oz Brie or Camembert
  • Goat cheese log (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 cup green grapes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Marcona almonds or roasted pistachios
  • 1 large star-shaped cookie cutter (for star on top)
  • 1 slice bell pepper or cheese (for star)
  • 1 sleeve crackers (e.g., water crackers or rosemary crackers)
  • 10–12 thin baguette slices (toasted lightly)
  • Honey or fig jam (for drizzling, optional)

Instructions

  1. Start with the Base (5 minutes): Place your cutting board on a flat surface. Using fresh rosemary sprigs, create a large triangle shape on the board. Lay the sprigs like branches, starting from the bottom and working up to a point at the top. Leave about 2 inches of space at the bottom for the ‘trunk’ (use a piece of celery or a breadstick).
  2. Layer the Meat (5 minutes): Fold each slice of prosciutto into a loose ribbon (fold in half lengthwise, then in half again). Place these along the bottom third of the tree shape, overlapping slightly. Add your salami and pepperoni in small clusters, pressing them gently into the rosemary.
  3. Add the Cheese (5 minutes): Cut your cheddar into small cubes or use the star-shaped cutter to make tiny stars. Arrange these in the middle section of the tree. Place the brie or camembert near the center as a focal point. Slice the gouda into thin wedges and fan them out like ornaments. If using goat cheese, roll it into small balls and place them randomly.
  4. Decorate with ‘Ornaments’ (5 minutes): Scatter cherry tomato halves, pomegranate seeds, and green grapes across the board like they’re hanging from the branches. Tuck dried cranberries into gaps. Add the almonds or pistachios in small piles.
  5. Top with the Star (1 minute): Use your star-shaped cookie cutter to cut a star from a slice of bell pepper, cheese, or even a piece of salami. Place it at the very top of the tree, right on the point.
  6. Fill in the Gaps (2 minutes): Look at your board and see if there are any empty spots. Add extra rosemary sprigs or small clusters of olives to fill them. You want the tree to look full and lush.
  7. Serve Immediately or Chill (optional): If prepping ahead, cover the board loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Take it out 15 minutes before serving to let the cheese soften. When ready, place crackers and baguette slices around the base of the tree. Drizzle honey or fig jam over the brie if desired.

Notes

Prep cheese and meat the night before to save time. Use a damp paper towel under the board if it slides. Don’t put crackers directly on the board if serving later—they’ll get soft. The star on top is essential for the tree look.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas tree charcuterie board, holiday appetizer, charcuterie board, Christmas party food, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-christmas-tree-charcuterie-board-a-showstopper/