Description
Create a festive and visually stunning Christmas Charcuterie Board perfect for holiday gatherings. This board features a delightful selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and decorative garnishes that come together to satisfy a variety of tastes and textures, making it an ideal appetizer for parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 1 wheel of Brie or Camembert
- 1 block sharp Cheddar
- 1 wedge of Manchego or Gruyère
- Blue cheese or herbed goat cheese (optional)
Meats
- Salami slices
- Prosciutto
- Soppressata or chorizo
- Pâté or rillettes (optional)
Fruits & Veggies
- Red grapes
- Pomegranate seeds
- Kiwi slices or green apple
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber or baby carrots
Crunch & Extras
- Mixed nuts (candied pecans, pistachios, almonds)
- Green olives or cornichons
- Fig jam or honey
- Dried apricots or cranberries
- Breadsticks, crackers, crostini
Decorative Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Star-cut cheese shapes (optional)
Instructions
- Start with structure: Place your cheeses first—arranged with some space between each to anchor the board visually. Pre-slice hard cheeses like Cheddar and Manchego for easy serving while keeping soft cheeses like Brie whole with a knife available for spreading.
- Add meats: Fold prosciutto into delicate ribbons, roll slices of salami, or shape them into meat roses for a decorative touch. Arrange these near the cheeses to facilitate flavor pairings.
- Place bowls: Add small ramekins filled with fig jam, green olives, or mixed nuts to add height and create visual interest through breaks on the board.
- Fill in with fruits and veggies: Use a mix of red and green fruits such as red grapes, pomegranate seeds, kiwi slices or green apple, and cherry tomatoes to give the board a festive Christmas color palette. Tuck the produce around the edges and between other items.
- Add crunch: Scatter crackers, candied nuts, and dried fruits like apricots and cranberries around the board, allowing some pieces to spill over the sides for a more organic and inviting appearance.
- Garnish last: Finish the board by placing fresh rosemary sprigs that mimic pine needles and adding optional star-cut cheese shapes for a seasonal, decorative flourish.
Notes
- Use a variety of textures and flavors to keep the board interesting and appealing.
- Pre-slicing harder cheeses makes serving easier for guests.
- Incorporate seasonal colors like red and green for a festive look.
- Mix sweet, salty, and savory elements for balanced tastes.
- Use fresh herbs and fun cut shapes to enhance presentation.
