One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is creating beautiful, edible displays that bring everyone together.

This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board has become a tradition in my home, and it always gets a “wow” reaction when I set it down on the table.

The layered ingredients arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree make it both festive and functional, giving guests a fun and delicious way to snack before the main meal.

I love how easy this board is to customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, fruits, and festive accents.

It looks impressive, but it’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even cozy evenings watching Christmas movies.

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Recipe Highlights

This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is the perfect holiday appetizer that doubles as a stunning centerpiece.

The festive tree shape instantly adds charm to your table, and the mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements keeps everyone happy.

It’s easy to scale for any size group and offers endless customization options.

Guests love the interactive nature of this board, picking their favorite items and creating their own little bites.

It also works well as a grazing option while the holiday feast finishes cooking.

• Festive Christmas tree presentation

• Easy to customize with favorite meats and cheeses

• No cooking required

• Perfect for parties and gatherings

• Kid-friendly and visually appealing

• Scalable for small or large groups

Ingredient Notes

Sliced salami – Creates bold flavor and vibrant red color for the three layers.

Sliced cheese (cheddar or gouda) – Adds rich creaminess and a contrasting shade of yellow.

Green grapes or cucumber slices – Provides the green “tree” effect and refreshing crispness.

Crackers or bread slices – Serves as a base for stacking meats and cheeses.

Cherry tomatoes – Add pops of festive red color.

Pomegranate seeds – Adds sparkle and seasonal flavor.

Fresh rosemary sprigs – Mimics tree branches and adds aroma.

Star-shaped cheese cutout – Forms the tree topper for a charming finishing touch.

How to Make My Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Step 1: Prepare your board – Choose a large wooden board or platter and place it in your serving area.

Step 2: Build the tree shape – Starting at the top, layer ingredients in horizontal rows that gradually widen toward the bottom, forming a triangle.

Step 3: Alternate colors and textures – Use meats, cheeses, and green elements to create visual contrast.

Step 4: Add decorative touches – Place a star-shaped cheese piece at the top and sprinkle pomegranate seeds for sparkle.

Step 5: Fill in gaps – Add nuts, crackers, or small fruit clusters to create fullness.

Step 6: Garnish – Tuck rosemary sprigs around the edges to mimic branches and enhance aroma.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with sparkling cider or mulled wine

• Serve alongside Christmas ham or roast turkey

• Add a small bowl of honey or mustard dip

• Include fresh vegetables and hummus

• Offer toasted baguette slices or crostini

Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

To achieve the most striking presentation, focus on color balance and variety. Place contrasting ingredients next to each other to make the tree shape clear and visually appealing.

Use fresh herbs to outline the tree and give it a natural look. Prep all ingredients ahead of time, but assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with shapes and seasonal touches—this board should feel fun and festive!

Festive Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Recipe by JoanneCourse: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

people
Prep time

20

minutes
Calories per serving

300

kcal

This Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is a festive, delicious, and visually stunning holiday appetizer that’s easy to assemble and fun for guests to enjoy.

Ingredients

  • Sliced salami – approximately ½ pound

  • Cheddar cheese – 1 cup sliced

  • Gouda cheese – 1 cup cubed

  • Green grapes – 1 cup

  • Cucumber slices – 1 cup

  • Cherry tomatoes – ½ cup

  • Pomegranate seeds – ¼ cup

  • Crackers – 2 cups assorted varieties

  • French bread slices – 1 cup

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs – 6 to 8 sprigs

  • Star-shaped cheese cutout – 1 piece

Directions

  • Select a large wooden charcuterie board or platter.
  • Arrange ingredients in horizontal layers to form a tree shape.
  • Alternate meats, cheeses, and green elements for visual contrast.
  • Place crackers and bread around the base of the tree.
  • Add cherry tomatoes and pomegranate seeds for festive decoration.
  • Top with a star-shaped cheese piece.
  • Garnish with rosemary sprigs to mimic branches.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free crackers if needed.
  • Add nuts for extra crunch.
  • Incorporate dried fruits for sweetness.
  • Try different cheese shapes for variety.

Storage of Leftovers

• Store leftover meats and cheeses in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

• Keep crackers separate to avoid sogginess.

• Consume leftovers within two days.

• Serve leftover meats and cheeses cold or at room temperature.

Festive Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board