Christmas Charcuterie Board

When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing says festive quite like a Christmas charcuterie board! This beauty brings together all the perfect seasonal flavors—rich cheeses, savory meats, and bright pops of fruit—creating a snacking centerpiece that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Provide the cozy vibes as guests gather around this delicious spread, full of goodies for every kind of snacker. This is the ultimate holiday board, and whether you’re hosting or heading to a holiday party, it’s guaranteed to be the center of attention!

Ingredients

Olives, toasted almonds, strawberries, raspberries, prosciutto, thin salami slices, crackers (harvest wheat, buttercrisp, rosemary & olive oil), spicy salami nuggets, honey goat cheese, smoked Gouda, Brie, pepperoni, mini cucumbers
Garnish: Fresh cranberries, strawberry jam, fresh rosemary sprigs

You can grab the decorative star toothpicks here.

Why Each Ingredient Works

Olives add a rich, briny contrast that cuts through creamy cheeses and fatty meats.
Toasted almonds bring a nice crunchy texture and a touch of warmth to the board, perfect for holiday vibes.
Strawberries and raspberries add a burst of fresh sweetness, color, and juicy texture to balance out the savory elements.
Prosciutto is delicate and melts in your mouth, giving a luxurious, salty flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Thin salami slices are ideal for forming those cute salami roses, adding visual interest along with that slightly spiced taste.
Crackers (with different flavors) add texture and are the perfect vehicle for all the toppings. The variety ensures something for everyone!
Spicy salami nuggets add a little kick to keep things interesting and contrast the mild cheeses.
Honey goat cheese brings a sweet creaminess that’s perfect paired with fruits and crackers.
Smoked Gouda has a lovely smoky taste, adding depth and a holiday-appropriate cozy flavor.
Brie is creamy and mild, making it a crowd-pleaser and perfect with fruit and jam.
Pepperoni adds a familiar taste that guests love and adds variety to the meat selection.
Mini cucumbers are fresh, crunchy, and refreshing, which balances the rich meats and cheeses.
Fresh cranberries add seasonal color and a tart garnish that gives a festive holiday pop.
Strawberry jam adds a hint of sweetness, perfect to pair with Brie or Gouda.
Fresh rosemary sprigs give a lovely evergreen scent and holiday appearance.

How to Make It

Start by preparing your ingredients: slice the top of the Gouda wheel about 1/4” thick and use a small cookie cutter to cut a tree shape in the center. Add a dollop of jam on the cheese wheel and replace the top slice, letting the jam peek out.

Cut the cheddar into long, right triangles for a visually interesting shape. Fold the salami slices over a shot glass rim to create a rose, flipping it once you’ve added 8-10 slices. Cut small zigzag lines into the mini cucumbers with the tip of a paring knife for a fun, festive look. Slice strawberries in half for easier serving.

Start building the board by framing the edges with the larger cheeses. Next, add sections of crackers, small cups of nuts, olives, and dried fruit. Add the fruits, veggies, and remaining garnishes, and arrange the meats last, using the salami roses and folded prosciutto to fill gaps.

Check the board, adjusting so that similar ingredients aren’t directly next to each other, making it look dynamic and inviting. Add your garnishes—cranberries and rosemary sprigs—to give it that final holiday touch. Now you’re ready to serve!

FAQs

Can I make this board in advance? Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the board a few hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

Can I swap out any of these ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to replace cheeses, fruits, or meats based on your preferences or what’s available. Just keep a good mix of textures and flavors.

How much does this serve? This board should serve around 6-8 people as an appetizer, but you can easily scale it up or down.

Fun Places to Serve This Board

This Christmas charcuterie board is perfect for holiday gatherings at home, winter parties, or even as a host gift if you’re attending a holiday event. It’s also a big hit for brunch with family or friends, or even on Christmas Eve while wrapping last-minute gifts with your loved ones.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer items like meats, cheeses, and fruits to airtight containers. The crackers should be stored separately to keep them from getting soggy. Most items will stay fresh for a day or two in the fridge, but try to enjoy it while everything’s fresh.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Getting kids involved is easy and fun with this recipe! Let them help with arranging the crackers, placing fruits, and adding garnishes like cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Older kids can try making salami roses with your guidance—they’ll feel so proud of their “flower” creations! This is a fantastic way to spend quality time together and encourage their creativity.

Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas charcuterie board is a winning mix of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. The creamy, smoky, and savory cheeses pair perfectly with the sweet fruits, while the meats and olives add that irresistible saltiness.

The nuts and crackers bring the crunch factor, making every bite interesting and satisfying. Plus, the garnishes add a festive holiday look that makes this board a show-stopping centerpiece. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and so fun to eat—truly a recipe you’ll return to every holiday season!

Here are some more fun Christmas treats to try out this season: