The Easiest Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
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Nothing draws a crowd faster than a Christmas tree charcuterie board layered with color and texture. With just a few cheeses, meats, and bright seasonal add-ins, you can shape everything into a simple tree design that feels playful and festive. It’s eye-catching, flexible, and easy to customize with whatever you already have on hand.
I make plenty of appetizers during the holidays, but this is the one people gravitate toward first. The stacked layers and familiar flavors make it an instant favorite, whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or enjoying a quiet night in. Once you try it, there’s a good chance it’ll become a yearly tradition. Plus, it makes a thoughtful gift – wrap it in cellophane with a ribbon for a charming homemade present for hosts, friends, or neighbors.
How to Make Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
You only need a quick round of prep to get this cheerful appetizer on the table. Layer the ingredients into a simple tree shape and add more color or texture wherever you like. You’ll have a playful holiday spread ready in no time.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Colby Jack cheese: A mild, creamy option that adds soft texture and balances the stronger flavors on the board.
- Gouda cheese: Has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the rest of the spread.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bright pops of red that add freshness and give the “ornament” look on your tree.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Optional Add-Ins:
- Meats: Salami, prosciutto, ham, or pepperoni slices.
- Crackers: Any mix of shapes and textures for pairing.
- Fruits: Seasonal options like apple slices, grapes, or berries.
- Vegetables: Cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, or roasted veggies for color.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans for crunch.
- Honey or jam: Try honey, fig jam, or cranberry jam for a sweet contrast.
- Sweets: Mini candy canes, chocolates, or holiday candies for a fun twist.
- Pretzel sticks: Break in half to use as the tree trunk.
- Edible flowers: Add them for a soft, decorative touch.
Step-By-Step Instructions
With everything sliced and ready to go, it’s time for the fun part. The steps below outline a simple layout you can follow, then tweak as much as you like to fit your style.
Step 1: Prep
Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda into small bite-sized cubes, then wash and dry the cherry tomatoes.
Step 2: Assemble
Place your Christmas tree–shaped platter in front of you and start at the top with a row of Gouda cubes. Add a row of cherry tomatoes right below it, then follow with a row of Colby Jack cubes, gradually widening the layers as you move downward to form the tree shape.
Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs under the Colby Jack layer to add greenery. Keep repeating the pattern by adding another row of Gouda, another row of cherry tomatoes, and another row of Colby Jack.
Finish the board with a final cluster of rosemary sprigs at the bottom to complete the tree’s base and add a festive touch.
Substitutions
- Colby Jack cheese: Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mild Havarti.
- Gouda cheese: Smoked Gouda, Gruyère, or Edam all work well.
- Cherry tomatoes: Red grapes, pomegranate seeds, or small radishes offer a similar pop of color and freshness.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Fresh thyme or parsley can stand in for the greenery.
Expert Tips
- Offer easy serving tools: Set out festive toothpicks or small skewers to help guests grab pieces neatly. Napkins are a must too.
- Plan for your crowd: The board as written serves about six people, but adjust based on your guest count, how long you’re hosting, and what else you’re offering.
- Line the board: Adding a layer of parchment helps catch crumbs and moisture, making cleanup quicker.
- Add a little height: Use a small cookie cutter to make a cheese star for the top, or place a star-shaped cracker there for extra charm.
- Mix flavors and textures: Include a balance of savory, sweet, and salty elements so there’s something for everyone.
- Chill before serving: Assemble the board a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Add rosemary and other delicate extras right before serving so they stay fresh.
How to Store This Recipe
Wrap each cheese separately in parchment paper, then place them in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for about 1 month.
Cherry tomatoes store best with some airflow. Keep them in a breathable container or in the crisper drawer, not in a sealed bag. They should stay fresh for around 5 days.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Just like any holiday charcuterie board, you can round out this festive board with bread, crackers, cured meats, fresh fruit, and your favorite dips or spreads. It pairs nicely with holiday sweets like fudge, Christmas popcorn balls, or Christmas tree oreos. If you’re serving drinks, it goes especially well with seasonal favorites such as eggnog or peppermint mocha.
More Festive Appetizers To Try
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Made Easier
Ingredients
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese cubed
- 1 cup Gouda cheese cubed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- A few rosemary sprigs fresh for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the Colby Jack and Gouda into small bite-sized cubes, then wash and dry the cherry tomatoes.
- Place your Christmas tree–shaped platter in front of you and start at the top with a row of Gouda cubes. Add a row of cherry tomatoes right below it, then follow with a row of Colby Jack cubes, gradually widening the layers as you move downward to form the tree shape.
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs under the Colby Jack layer to add greenery. Keep repeating the pattern by adding another row of Gouda, another row of cherry tomatoes, and another row of Colby Jack.
- Finish the board with a final cluster of rosemary sprigs at the bottom to complete the tree’s base and add a festive touch.
Notes
- Set out festive toothpicks or small skewers to help guests grab pieces neatly, and don’t forget napkins.
- The board as written serves about six people, but adjust based on how many guests you have, how long you’re hosting, and what else you’ll be serving.
- Add a layer of parchment to the board to catch crumbs and moisture, which makes clean-up easier.
- Create a little height by making a cheese star with a small cookie cutter, or place a star-shaped cracker on top for extra charm.
- Include a mix of savory, sweet, and salty elements so there’s something for everyone.
- Assemble the board a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Add rosemary and any delicate touches right before serving so they stay fresh.
