Save It A stunning charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, featuring cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and global accompaniments. Perfect as a vibrant centerpiece for holiday gatherings, this festive appetizer combines textures and flavors from around the world.
One year, my family was delighted when I brought out this charcuterie tree. It immediately became the star of the evening, with everyone sampling ingredients from distant countries while admiring the creative presentation.
Ingredients
- Manchego (Spain): 100 g, cubed
- Aged Cheddar (UK): 100 g, cubed
- Brie (France): 100 g, sliced
- Provolone (Italy): 100 g, sliced or cubed
- Prosciutto (Italy): 80 g, thinly sliced
- Soppressata (Italy): 80 g, sliced
- Chorizo (Spain): 80 g, sliced
- Mortadella (Italy): 80 g, thinly sliced
- Red grapes: 1 small bunch
- Green grapes: 1 small bunch
- Pomegranate: seeds from 1
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup
- Cucumber: 1 small, sliced
- Baby arugula: small handful, for garnish
- Marcona almonds (Spain): 50 g
- Pistachios (Middle East): 50 g
- Green olives (Greece or Italy): 12, pitted
- Black olives (Greece or Italy): 12, pitted
- Fig jam (France): 2 tbsp
- Whole grain mustard (Germany): 2 tbsp
- Toasted baguette: 12 slices
- Assorted crackers: 12
Instructions
- Shape the base:
- On a large board, lightly outline a Christmas tree shape using arugula as branches.
- Form the trunk:
- Layer slices of bread and crackers at the base as the tree trunk.
- Add meats and cheeses:
- Arrange meats and cheeses in alternating rows to create the tree boughs.
- Fill with produce:
- Fill spaces between rows with grapes, tomatoes, cucumber slices, and pomegranate seeds for color and texture.
- Add ornaments:
- Cluster olives and nuts onto the tree as edible ornaments.
- Position dips:
- Place fig jam and mustard in small bowls near the board or nestle them into the arrangement.
- Decorate the top:
- Top the tree with a star-shaped cheese or a cluster of pomegranate seeds.
- Finishing touches:
- Scatter additional arugula for a fresh green look and serve immediately.
Save It Our children loved picking their favorite 'ornaments' off the tree, asking about the countries each ingredient came from. It became a fun way for everyone to mingle and share stories with every bite.
Vegetarian & Customization Tips
For a vegetarian version, skip the meats and add more cheeses, marinated veggies, or smoked nuts. You can swap ingredients for local favorites to suit your guests.
Pairings
Serve with crisp white wine, sparkling wine, or a light red such as Pinot Noir for the best balance of flavors.
Presentation Ideas
Use cookie cutters to shape cheese or bread into stars or festive shapes. Arrange ingredients with contrasting colors in clusters for the most visual impact.
Save It This charcuterie tree is sure to become a tradition, sparking conversation and delight at any festive table. Enjoy every bite with loved ones this holiday season.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to prepare the charcuterie tree?
The entire preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with no cooking time required.
- → Can the platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and increase cheeses, marinated vegetables, or smoked nuts for flavor and variety.
- → What types of cheeses are featured?
The selection includes Manchego, aged Cheddar, Brie, and Provolone, offering a range of textures and tastes.
- → Which accompaniments complement the arrangement?
Fig jam and whole grain mustard are offered alongside the board for dipping and enhancing flavors.
- → How can the presentation be enhanced for holidays?
Using cookie cutters to shape cheese or bread into stars and arranging arugula leaves as branches creates a festive, tree-like appearance.
- → What are suitable beverage pairings?
Crisp white wine, sparkling wine, or light reds such as Pinot Noir pair wonderfully with this assortment.