Why Make This Recipe
The Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board is not just food; it is also a festive decoration for your holiday table. This fun and creative dish combines delicious flavors with an eye-catching presentation, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. It’s easy to assemble, fun to customize, and brings joy to any holiday celebration.
How to Make Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh rosemary sprigs (more or less depending on size)
- 1 celery stalk
- Red, green, and black seedless grapes (clipped into small clusters or remove stems completely if you like)
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar (cut into ¾-inch squares or whatever size you like)
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack (cut the same size as other cheeses)
- 4 ounces mild or medium cheddar (cut into equal size as other cheeses)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1-2 star fruits (sliced)
- 1 cup assorted nuts
- 1 green kiwi fruit (sliced)
Directions:
- Start by making the outline of your tree using the rosemary sprigs. Begin at the top and spread them out wider towards the bottom. You may need to adjust them as you add more ingredients.
- Place the celery stem at the bottom to serve as the trunk of the tree. Choose a length that looks good to you.
- Begin adding layers to your tree. Start at the bottom with a row of cheese, followed by red grapes. Then add another row of cheese, green grapes, and finish with a last row of cheese and black grapes.
- Use kiwi slices to form a triangle shape for the top of the tree.
- Add one slice of star fruit at the very top for the star. You can also distribute additional star fruit slices randomly over the tree.
- Scatter cranberries around the tree along with the mixed nuts. If there’s room, you can arrange the nuts to look like a pot at the base of the celery trunk, with almonds working best for this.
- Your beautiful tree is now ready! You can assemble it up to 4 hours before serving. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it’s time to eat.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board is perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or even cozy nights at home. Place it in the center of your table, and allow guests to help themselves. It’s a great conversation starter and adds a festive touch to your spread.
How to Store Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board
If you have leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within 24 hours for the freshest taste.
Tips to Make Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board
- Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese and nuts based on your preferences.
- Use edible decorations that fit the holiday spirit or your party theme.
- Adjust the size of the tree by using more or fewer ingredients based on how many guests you have.
Variation
If star fruit is hard to find, you can use a small cookie cutter to create star shapes from cheese or other fruits.
FAQs
1. Can I make this charcuterie board the day before?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 4 hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until serving.
2. What types of nuts can I use?
You can use a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, based on your taste.
3. Can I include other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any seasonal fruits like pomegranates or berries to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- Large serving board
- Small bowls (optional)
- Cheese knives
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 8 oz Brie
- 4 oz Cheddar cheese (block)
- 4 oz Provolone cheese (slices)
- 4 oz Goat cheese
Meats
- 4 oz Salami
- 3 oz Prosciutto
- 4 oz Pepperoni slices
Crackers & Breads
- 1 box Assorted crackers
- 1 small Mini baguette slices
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 cup Red grapes
- 1 cup Green grapes
- 3 sprigs Rosemary sprigs
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
Extras
- 0.5 cup Olives
- 0.5 cup Candied pecans
Instructions
Assembly
- Arrange a large serving board or platter on a flat surface.
- Place a small block of cheese (like cheddar) at the bottom for the tree trunk.
- Begin arranging rosemary sprigs to form the outline of a Christmas tree.
- Start filling the tree outline with selected cheeses, meats, and crackers.
- Create rows or sections with varying textures and colors, ensuring a balanced look.
- Add grape bunches, cherry tomatoes, olives, and candied pecans for color, texture, and flavor.
- Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs if desired, and consider a star-shaped cheese cut-out at the top.