Christmas Charcuterie Board Recipe

A Christmas charcuterie board is a festive spread that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, combining seasonal flavors, colors, and textures for a beautiful and tasty centerpiece. This board includes a mix of cheeses, meats, fruits, sweets, and holiday-themed treats that capture the spirit of Christmas.

Ingredients

Choose a variety of red, green, and white items to create a color-coordinated, holiday-inspired board.

Meats

1. Prosciutto – Thinly sliced, savory, and slightly sweet.
2. Salami – Aged and flavorful; try varieties with pepper or garlic.
3. Capicola – Spicy and rich for an extra kick.
4. Pepperoni Slices – Classic, small rounds for easy snacking.

Cheeses

1. Brie – Soft and creamy; try shaping it into a small wreath and garnishing with cranberries and rosemary.
2. Aged Cheddar – Sharp and crumbly; cut into bite-sized cubes.
3. Gouda – Mild and nutty, with a semi-hard texture.
4. Goat Cheese Log – Roll in dried cranberries and herbs for a festive touch.
5. Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini) – Fresh, mild, and easy to skewer with tomatoes and basil.

Fruits and Vegetables

1. Grapes – Red and green varieties for a sweet and juicy option.
2. Apple Slices – Use green apples for a touch of tartness.
3. Pomegranate Seeds – Bright red and jewel-like, perfect for holiday flair.
4. Cranberries – Fresh or dried for color and sweetness.
5. Cherry Tomatoes – Red and round, great for adding color and freshness.
6. Cucumber Slices – Fresh and green, balancing out rich cheeses.

Crackers, Bread, and Nuts

1. Whole Wheat Crackers – Nutty and wholesome, ideal with cheese.
2. Crostini – Small toasted bread slices for dipping and spreading.
3. Breadsticks (Grissini) – Thin, crispy breadsticks add height and crunch.
4. Candied Pecans – Sweet, crunchy, and festive.
5. Roasted Pistachios – Bright green color, adding crunch and flavor.

Dips and Spreads

1. Honey or Fig Jam – Sweet and sticky; pairs beautifully with Brie and cheddar.
2. Cranberry Sauce – Tart and festive; a perfect holiday touch.
3. Hummus – A smooth, creamy dip that balances rich cheeses.
4. Pesto – Green and herby, adding a fresh, bold flavor.
5. Mustard – Spicy or honey mustard for a tangy contrast.

Sweet Treats

1. Peppermint Bark – Chocolate with crushed peppermint, adding a festive holiday flavor.
2. Gingerbread Cookies – Small shapes like stars or Christmas trees.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – Sweet and salty with a festive drizzle.
4. Mini Candy Canes – Classic holiday candy for a pop of red and white.
5. Dark Chocolate Squares – Rich and indulgent, pairs well with fruit and nuts.

Garnishes

1. Fresh Rosemary Sprigs – For a touch of green and a pine-like aroma.
2. Thyme Sprigs – Adds fragrance and holiday greenery.
3. Edible Gold Stars or Sparkle Dust – Optional, for a little sparkle.

Assembly Instructions

1. Start with bowls for dips and spreads: Place small bowls of honey, jam, cranberry sauce, and pesto around the board for balance.
2. Add cheeses and meats: Arrange cheeses in different corners, using a mix of shapes and sizes for visual interest. Fold meats like prosciutto and salami into rosettes or small rolls and arrange near the cheeses.
3. Place fruits and vegetables: Add grapes, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and other fresh items, filling in around the meats and cheeses.
4. Add crackers, bread, and nuts: Scatter crackers, crostini, breadsticks, and nuts throughout the board, ensuring they’re easy to reach.
5. Finish with sweet treats and garnishes: Tuck in gingerbread cookies, chocolate pretzels, and candy canes for a festive look. Garnish with rosemary and thyme sprigs, and sprinkle edible gold stars for sparkle.

Serving Tips

• Serve at room temperature: This brings out the full flavors of the cheeses and dips.
• Provide small plates and utensils: Include mini tongs, cheese knives, and spoons to make serving easy.
• Pair with a holiday drink: Mulled wine, sparkling cider, or eggnog complement this festive board beautifully.

This Christmas charcuterie board is not only delicious but also a beautiful holiday centerpiece that will delight your guests!