The Best Christmas Charcuterie Board 2024 Festive and Delicious
There’s something about a beautifully arranged Christmas charcuterie board that makes the holidays feel extra fabulous.
Who doesn’t love standing around chatting and snacking on deliciously curated meat and cheeses?
And calories don’t count around the holidays, right?
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party or looking for a snack for cozy nights by the tree, a Christmas charcuterie board is a fun way to serve your guests.
I’ve made my fair share of boards from Thanksgiving Charcuterie boards, to Halloween boards, to Kentucky Derby spreads (I live in Kentucky after all!) and they’re always so fun to put together.
Let’s get started with some great ideas!
Planning Your Charcuterie Board
Start by picking a theme and colors for your charcuterie board.
Go big on the festive factor, like adding a small edible Christmas tree or winter wonderland feel.
Think about how many people you’ll have, and the type of gathering you’re hosting for the size of your board.
Make a list of the ingredients you want to include and check what you already have in your pantry. This is key! Don’t be buying stuff you’ve already got and spending extra money!
Mix and match different textures, colors, and flavors to create a board that looks good.
Essential Ingredients for a Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Soft cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for that creamy factor.
- Cubed cheese for easy building.
- Cured meats, like salami or prosciutto, for a salty and savory option.
- Fresh fruit, like green grapes, red grapes, or cherry tomatoes, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for added crunch. If you want the best pecans ever try Pearson Farm. They made tons of delicious treats with loads of love. I would know this is the family of my college room-mate.
- I always like to use tiny round bowls to hold items that may be wet (like olives) or dressings like ranch and honey for dipping.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant and festive touch.
Building the Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Line the board with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent staining on the serving surface.
- Start with largest items first- like the big cheese sections or pretzel tree trunk.
- Arrange the ingredients in a tree shape if you want, using the largest items at the bottom and the smallest at the top.
- Use a multiple cheeses, meats, and fruits to make it look pretty.
- Add some festive flair, like brie with a Christmas tree in it by using a Christmas tree-themed cookie cutter or a sprig of rosemary.
Creating a Beautiful Cheese Board
Choose multiple cheeses, like soft and hard options so people have choices.
Add some crackers or breadsticks for some crunch.
Include some garnishes, like fresh herbs or edible flowers, for color and fragrance.
Use a cheese board with a built-in knife or spreader so guests to dig in.
Festive Ideas for Your Board
Use a Christmas cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes from cheese or meat for your Christmas board.
Add festive picks or skewers for a pop of color.
Use seasonal ingredients, like cranberries or pomegranate seeds, for flavor and color.
Make it look like snow by sprinkling shredded coconut or powdered sugar over sections of the board.
Alternative Ingredients to try
Include alternative ingredient options like gluten-free items or candied ginger for something a little different.
Adding alternative ingredients like gluten-free food or unexpected items like candied ginger is a thoughtful way to include friends with diet needs, and to just switch it up and add interest.
Candied nuts and fresh herbs such as sage add beauty and fill the space on the board nicely.
Customize your board with different shapes like ornament-shaped cookies (or even brownies) or cheese with holiday-themed cut-outs.
- Use alternative meats, like ham or turkey, for a different flavor.
- Add some heat, like pepperoncini or jalapeños.
- Add some sweetness, like chocolate or dried fruit.
- Use different cheeses, like feta or gouda, to mix it up.
Pairing Suggestions for Your Charcuterie Board
When it comes to pairing your Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Wine Pairings:
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs well with the rich flavors of the cheese and meats. For a white wine option, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is nice. Champagne is always fun for the holidays too!
Beverage Pairings:
If you don’t want to use wine, a sparkling cider or a holiday cocktail like a Cranberry Spritzer or Spiked Eggnog works well with the board.
Nut Pairings
In addition to the pecans and pistachios, try:- Walnuts for an earthy tone.
Almonds for crunch.
Hazelnuts for a rich and aromatic
Fresh Fruit Pairings:
In addition to the grapes, try:- Sliced apples for sweet and crunchy.
- Berries like strawberries or blueberries for sweet and antioxidants
- Mandarin oranges for sweet and tangy.
Pickled and Marinated Pairings
- Add pickled or marinated items like:- Artichoke hearts for salty and savory
- Pepperoncini for spicy and tangy
- Olives for salty and umami. I love olives!
Cracker and Bread Pairings:
Offer multiple crackers and breads to go with the cheese and meats. Some options:- Water crackers for a blank slate
- Wheat thins for slightly sweet and crunchy
- Crostini for more rustic and crunchy
- Baguette slices for classic French
Remember, the key to a great charcuterie board is to have variety of flavors, textures and colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite pairings!
Air Fryer Wings
Follow me here on this… if you’re hosting a party it’s nice to offer guests something heartier especially if people are drinking.
I get it, you don’t want to be cooking all day but consider having something a little more filling like air fryer wings. People can early eat them while socializing and it’s a little more filling than cheese and crackers.
Also, they take no time and hardly any effort at all to make and they’re delicious!
Leftovers and Serving Suggestions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Offer wine or other drinks to pair with the board.
- Serve the board as an appetizer or snack for Christmas dinner.
Tips for a Good Charcuterie Board
- Plan ahead and make a list of ingredients so you don’t have to run to the store at the last minute.
- Use multiple textures, colors and flavors to make it look pretty.
- Don’t be afraid to get wild and try new things.
- Have fun and enjoy the process of making a beautiful charcuterie board!
Best Boards to Use
When it comes to choosing a board for your Christmas charcuterie you can’t go wrong with a big and flat one, like a wooden cutting board or a large serving platter.
I like to use a rustic wooden board for that cozy holiday feel, but a marble or slate board is nice and elegant too!
Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all your goodies—no one likes a charcuterie board that’s too small!
FAQs
How do I make my charcuterie board look Christmas-y?
For a Christmas twist stick to a red, green and gold color scheme.
Use red berries, green herbs and gold accents like brie with edible glitter or gold wrapped chocolates.
Try shaping some of your cheeses or meats into holiday shapes (like a tree or star).
Add mini candy canes or chocolate Santas for a fun touch!
How far in advance can I make my Christmas charcuterie board?
You can make most of your charcuterie board a day or two ahead of time!
Slice your cheeses, arrange the crackers and portion out nuts and dried fruits the night before.
Just hold off on adding the fresh fruits like berries or grapes and any delicate greens like herbs until right before serving so everything stays fresh.
Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge—then just before your guests arrive, arrange everything on the board and add the final touches!
How do I make a charcuterie board for a crowd?
If you’re serving a bigger group go big!
Use a large cutting board, platter, or even a cookie sheet for more space. Add extra servings of popular items like cheese, crackers, and meats so everyone can grab what they like.
You can also create mini “themed” sections for different tastes, like a sweet area with chocolate and fruit and a savory area with meats and cheeses.
If you want to get extra fancy, use smaller boards for different groups—like a kid’s board with treats and an adult board!
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Conclusion
Now go get creative and get your ingredients and make it look as good as it tastes.
I’d love to see what you come up with and your culinary creations. Feel free to include any pictures in the comments and let me see!
See you soon and bon appétit! 🎄🎅
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
