Description
Bring the festive spirit to your holiday gathering with The Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board! This beautifully arranged appetizer is a showstopper, combining an array of delicious cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers in the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a little holiday magic, this board offers something for everyone.
Ingredients
- Star topper: 1 large slice of cheddar cheese (cut into a star shape)
- Layers:
- Fresh raspberries
- Sliced persimmons or apricots
- Cubed cheeses (cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan)
- Prosciutto and other cured meats
- Pecans and walnuts
- Green olives
- Red grapes
- Salami slices
- Decorative garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Sliced kiwis
- Dark olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Start with a clean marble or wooden serving board as the foundation for your tree.
- Arrange the tree: Begin layering the ingredients from the bottom in triangular rows:
- Start with salami slices and red grapes for the base.
- Add green olives, then a row of nuts and prosciutto.
- Next, place cubes of cheese and slices of fruit (persimmons or apricots).
- Add a row of raspberries near the top.
- Top it off: Place the cheddar cheese star at the top of the tree.
- Garnish: Surround the tree with sprigs of fresh rosemary to resemble pine branches.
- Add accents: Decorate the edges with sliced kiwis and dark olives for added color and texture.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to allow your cheeses and meats to come to room temperature before assembling the board. This enhances the creaminess of the cheeses and makes the flavors more vibrant.
- Cheese Variations: While the cheeses listed here work well together, feel free to get creative! Try adding different varieties like gouda, manchego, or blue cheese for an added depth of flavor. For a sweeter touch, you could also include a fruit-infused cheese like cranberry goat cheese.
- Use of Fresh Herbs: The rosemary sprigs not only add a festive look but also contribute a lovely aroma. You can use other herbs like thyme or sage to create different textures and scents. Fresh herbs can also be used as garnish around the board to add extra green hues.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Snack
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Sugar: 5-7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 15g