Christmas Tree Shaped Charcuterie
A visually stunning holiday appetizer featuring meats, cheeses, and accompaniments arranged in a Christmas tree shape. Perfect for gatherings, this customizable centerpiece balances savory, sweet, and tangy elements while creating an instant festive atmosphere.
Ingredients
- Base meats: 8 oz salami, 8 oz prosciutto, 4 oz pepperoni
- Cheeses: 8 oz brie or camembert, 6 oz aged cheddar, 4 oz gouda, 4 oz blue cheese (optional)
- Fresh elements: Rosemary sprigs (for the “branches”), grape clusters, sliced pears or apples
- Dried fruits: 1/2 cup cranberries, 1/2 cup apricots, 1/4 cup dates
- Nuts: 1 cup mixed nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
- Accompaniments: Crackers and breadsticks (for arranging around the base)
- Spreads: Fig jam, honey, whole grain mustard
- Garnishes: Cherry tomatoes, olives, pickles (for “ornaments”)
- Star topper: Yellow bell pepper cut into star shape or a star-shaped cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your board surface. Select a large wooden board, marble slab, or even a lined baking sheet. Ensure it’s clean and food-safe. Consider placing a piece of parchment paper underneath for easier cleanup.
- Create the tree trunk. Place a row of breadsticks or twisted prosciutto at the bottom of your board to form the trunk of your tree. This foundation sets the stage for the triangular shape to follow.
- Outline your tree shape. Use rosemary sprigs to create the outer edges of your triangular tree. This provides a fragrant frame and gives you boundaries to work within as you build your creation.
- Start with larger items as anchor points. Place larger cheese wedges and folded meat slices throughout your tree outline. Position them asymmetrically for a natural look, making sure to distribute colors and textures evenly throughout.
- Fill in with smaller components. Add olives, nuts, and dried fruits in clusters throughout the tree, filling gaps between your anchor items. Think of these as your tree’s “ornaments” that add color and dimension.
- Create visual pathways. Arrange grape clusters in a garland-like fashion, creating visual “strings of lights” that wind through your tree design. This guides the eye through your composition.
- Place your spreads strategically. Position small bowls of dips and spreads within the outline, ensuring they’re stable and accessible. These can become “ornaments” in your design while being functional.
- Add your star topper. Position your cheese or pepper star at the top of your tree arrangement. Make sure it’s prominently displayed as the crowning element of your creation.
- Fill remaining spaces. Add remaining crackers, fruits, and smaller meat rolls to fill any empty spaces, ensuring your tree looks abundant but not overcrowded. Tuck in additional rosemary sprigs for extra “branches.”
- Finish with final garnishes. Add a light drizzle of honey over certain cheeses or sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds for “twinkling lights” effect. Step back and adjust any areas that need balancing.
Notes
- For best presentation, slice hard cheeses in advance but wait to place soft cheeses until just before serving.
- Create height variation by stacking some elements or using small risers hidden beneath certain ingredients.
- Consider your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions when selecting ingredients.
- The board can be partially assembled up to 4 hours ahead, with temperature-sensitive items added just before serving.
- Keep extra ingredients on hand for replenishing as the evening progresses.