Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Appetizer

With the holidays approaching, there's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with this easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board appetizer!  This is so easy to make and you can make it whatever size you would like!

Recipe Inspiration

Everyone loves a charcuterie board, and they somehow taste even better when they are in a Christmas tree shape during the holiday season!  

This loose recipe is made up of three things: your favorite cheese, meat, and crackers. It's that easy and a perfect appetizer for your holiday parties.   

If you are looking for more holiday appetizer recipes, check out our: 30 Minute Cranberry Brie Crescent Holiday Wreath, Cheesy Garlic Herb Butter Pull Apart Bread, Baked Clams Oreganata, Fried Goat Cheese Balls, or 5 Ingredient Apple and White Cheddar Tart.

Jump to:

• Recipe Inspiration
• Why You'll Love this Recipe
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Kitchen Equipment
• Recipe Substitutions/Variations
• What To Serve With
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Storage and Reheating
• Other Recipes to Try
• Easy Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Appetizer

Why You'll Love this Recipe

It is easy - This is so easy to make and it would be a great recipe to get the kids involved.  Let the little ones choose their favorite meats, cheeses and crackers and then have them help you make the shape of the tree.

It is customizable - Make it as big or small as you want.  Depending on the number of people you are serving this to, you can adjust the size to match.  You could also opt to make this in the shape of a wreath instead of a tree using the same ingredients.

It is a crowd pleaser- Fill it with things everyone will like.  If you are serving this to kids, choose some milder meats and cheese.  If you have primarily adults, choose things that have a bolder flavor and some heat.  A charcuterie board is especially delicious with wine, so your adult guests will definitely enjoy the two together! 

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this festive charcuterie board:

• Cheese: I love using a mixture of cheeses like brie, white cheddar, and pepper jack, but it's totally up to you. Pick three of your favorite types of cheese!
• Meat: You will want to choose one or two different sliced meats.  One that I like using is  summer sausage. Check out this brand on Amazon!
• Crackers: Choose two or three different kinds of crackers.  
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like sprigs of rosemary and/or thyme to look like branches.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are great and look like ornaments.
• Garnish: Honey or jam in a little jar or small ramekin is a great garnish to serve on the side, or make it look like a tree trunk.

Directions

Let's make this charcuterie tree together!  

Step 1:  Lay a piece of parchment paper on the wooden board you plan to serve this on.

Step 2: Lay the cheese, meat and crackers out, one row at a time, starting at the bottom of the tree.   Make sure the bottom row is the longest and the subsequent rows are shorter until you have the shape of a tree.

Step 3: Garnish with fresh herbs to look like branches and cranberries to look like ornaments.

Step 4: Serve with a small jar or bowl of honey or jam on the side.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this simple appetizer:

• Prepare this ahead of time and tightly wrap with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
• Use a combination of soft cheeses and hard cheeses.
• Choose a variety of different textures for your cheeses, meats and crackers so everyone can pick what they prefer.
• Use a star cookie cutter or knife to cut a piece of cheese in a star shape and place it at the top of the tree.
• Serve with pretzel sticks at the base of the tree and arrange them to look like a trunk.

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

• Wooden board:  You will need a nice wood board to build and serve your christmas tree charcuterie board.  I like this one on Amazon.
• Small plates: Set out these small plates for your guests to use as they grab their favorites from your festive cheese board.
• Parchment Paper: Use pre-cut sheets of parchment paper for easy clean up!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this festive Christmas tree charcuterie board .

Substitutions:  Substitute fresh cranberries for roasted grapes, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes, green grapes, red grapes,  black olives, or green olives. 

Additions: Add a variety of nuts to your board for added crunch.

Toppings: Serve hot honey on the side so guests can add it if they prefer.

What To Serve With

Here are some recipes that would be great to serve alongside this Christmas tree cheese board:

Roasted Grapes: These Roasted Grapes are a sweet, sophisticated treat to add to your next charcuterie board.

Mini Mushroom Wellingtons: These Mini Mushroom Wellingtons are the perfect holiday appetizer! All of the flavors of mushroom Wellington are packed in these mini flaky pastries.

Easy Tomato Crostini with Whipped Cream Cheese: With creamy whipped cream cheese, sauteed garlic tomatoes, and a sweet balsamic drizzle, each bite is so delicious. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover charcuterie items in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze cheese in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Other Recipes to Try

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