Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat?

This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board combines everyone’s favorite party snack with festive holiday flair.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing something special to a potluck, or just want to make dinner feel a little more magical, this edible centerpiece delivers.

With some cheese, meats, crackers, and a handful of seasonal touches, you can create a stunning spread that looks like it took hours (but really took about 20 minutes).

I’ll walk you through exactly how to arrange everything into a tree shape, what ingredients work best, and how to make it look professionally styled.

Ready to turn your cutting board into the star of your holiday table? Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This charcuterie board is incredibly flexible. Use what you have or what your family enjoys.

It requires zero cooking skills but looks incredibly impressive when presented.

The tree shape makes it fun for kids to help arrange, turning food prep into a family activity.

You can prep most components ahead of time and assemble just before guests arrive.

Ingredients

8 oz brie or camembert cheese wheel (for the tree trunk)
8 oz cheddar cheese, sliced into triangles
8 oz gouda or gruyere cheese, cubed
6 oz prosciutto, loosely rolled into small “roses”
6 oz salami, folded
4 oz pepperoni slices
1 cup green grapes
1 cup red grapes
1 cup fresh raspberries
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pistachios, shelled
½ cup mixed olives
½ cup cornichons (small pickles)
Rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
1 yellow bell pepper star (for tree topper)
Crackers and breadsticks (arranged around the board)

GAOMON 24 x 18 In Acacia Cutting Boardfor Kitchen, XXL Extra Large Charcuterie Cheese Platter Serving Tray, Food Prep and Serving Boards, Chopping Boards for Meal Vegetables and Cheese

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Instructions

Start with a large wooden board or platter – rectangular works best for creating your tree shape.

Place the wheel of brie or camembert at the bottom center of your board to create the tree trunk.

Begin creating the triangular tree shape above the trunk by laying down rows of folded salami as the base layer.

Add overlapping layers of sliced cheddar triangles, folded prosciutto, and pepperoni, working upward in a triangular shape.

Fill in gaps with cubed gouda, green and red grapes, and raspberries to create a pattern that mimics ornaments on a tree.

Sprinkle pistachios and dried cranberries throughout to add texture and color.

Place olives and cornichons strategically to fill any remaining spaces.

Cut a star shape from yellow bell pepper and position it at the top of your tree.

Tuck rosemary sprigs along the edges of your tree shape to create the look of pine branches.

Arrange crackers and breadsticks around the outside of your board.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours before your guests arrive.

Serving Tips

Let the board sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best cheese flavor.

Place small cheese knives on the board for easy serving.

Add small bowls of honey, fig jam, or whole grain mustard nearby for dipping options.

This board pairs wonderfully with sparkling wine, mulled wine, or holiday cocktails.

For a sweet twist, add some chocolate-covered pretzels or candied nuts to your tree.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

This festive appetizer always sparks conversation and brings joy to holiday gatherings. The colors and flavors celebrate the season perfectly, and the interactive nature of a charcuterie board brings people together.

Happy holidays and happy snacking!