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–+ servings
Charcuterie Tree

Charcuterie Tree

The Crispy Chef
The Charcuterie Tree is a festive and photo-worthy holiday appetizer, combining your favorite meats, cheeses, fruits, and herbs arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s a showstopping centerpiece that’s as fun to build as it is to eat!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Holiday
Servings 10 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • large wooden board or platter
  • Sharp Knife
  • cheese cutters or cookie cutters (optional)
  • small bowls or ramekins (for dips or decor)
  • parchment paper (optional for transporting)

Ingredients
  

  • assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni)
  • assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda, goat cheese, mozzarella pearls)
  • grapes
  • fresh berries
  • pomegranate seeds
  • sliced apples or pears (optional, tossed in lemon juice)
  • dried apricots or cranberries
  • nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
  • olives
  • crackers or sliced baguette
  • fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
  • honey or fig jam (optional)
  • fresh thyme or mint leaves (for garnish)
  • star-shaped cheese cutout (optional tree topper)
  • mini jam jar or honey pot (optional decor)
  • edible flowers (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Slice cheeses into cubes or triangles. Roll or fold meats into rosettes or ribbons. Slice apples or pears and prep grapes into small clusters.
  • Lay rosemary sprigs in a triangle shape on a board or platter to create the tree outline and mimic branches.
  • Starting at the bottom, layer meats, cheeses, fruits, and extras in bands across the tree, narrowing as you go up. Alternate textures and colors for a balanced look.
  • Fill small gaps with nuts and pomegranate seeds. Tuck rosemary sprigs for fullness. Top with a star-shaped cheese piece.
  • Serve with crackers or bread around the board. Add small bowls of honey or jam nearby. Serve immediately or lightly chill until guests arrive.

Notes

Use a mix of cheese textures and fruit sizes for visual balance. Add herbs just before serving for maximum freshness. Use parchment paper to build the tree if you plan to transport it. Keep wet items like fruit slices away from dry crackers or cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword charcuterie board, Christmas tree appetizer, holiday grazing board, meat and cheese platter
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