Amazing Christmas Tree Cheese Board for Foodies and Party Hosts
Make an epic Christmas Tree Cheese Board, a delightful centerpiece that combines style and flavor, perfect for any holiday gathering. Looking for a way to impress your guests with a festive twist on a classic party snack? THIS is it! This post may contain affiliate links.
With its playful arrangement of meats, cheeses, and fruits, this board not only serves as a visual treat but also a delicious one. Imagine layers of creamy Brie, savory salami roses, and sweet raspberries, all shaped into a charming Christmas tree.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Creating a Christmas Tree Cheese Board isn't just about food; it's about turning your holiday gathering into the ultimate joyful celebration.
A Festive Centerpiece
Nothing draws the eye quite like a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Cheese Board. Imagine it taking center stage on your holiday table — it's not just a snack, it's a decoration.
Customization Options
Choose from an array of cheeses like creamy brie or spicy pepper jack. Add meats such as prosciutto or salami, and don't forget the fruits and dips. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary not only makes it more festive but also adds a fragrant touch.
Easy to Prepare
Assembling a Christmas Tree Cheese Board is as easy as pie — actually, it's easier. There's no need for oven time or complex recipes. You can slice, arrange, and be ready to serve in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Sliced salami
- Sliced prosciutto
- Salami wrapped mozzarella
- Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella
- Brie cheese round
- Brie cheese wedge
- Boursin spreadable cheese
- Marinated fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Colby Jack cheese
- Stuffed manzanilla olives
- Pitted medium black olives
- Apples
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh blackberries
- Dried apricots
- Red and black grapes
- Assorted round crackers
- Assorted tray of sweet nuts and chocolate covered nuts
- Pretzel mini twists
- Pretzel rods
- Mixed berry jam
- Honey
- Fresh rosemary
How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Prepare the cheese. Cut the pepper jack and Colby jack into 1-inch cubes. With a star cookie cutter, press halfway into the center of the brie circle. Take out the star piece and fill the space with cranberry sauce, jelly, jam, or honey.
Use a sharp knife to cut pretzel rods in half for the tree trunk.
Make salami roses. Lay the salami in a curved line and roll it up, securing with a toothpick. Adjust the size of roses by varying the slice count. Repeat with all the salami.
Set up a large serving tray or use a big sheet of grazing table paper. Make a tree outline with fresh rosemary, adjusting as needed. Stack pretzels below for the trunk, using food-safe twine if necessary. Place the brie at the top.
Add Boursin cheese spread and sliced meats. Spread them out, zigzagging down the tree for a nice look.
Scatter crackers and pretzels around the board.
Add the cubed cheese and sliced brie to fill empty spots.
Place mozzarella balls and olives along the edges.
Fill remaining spaces with fresh fruit, nuts, and dried fruit.
Adjust sections by adding more ingredients to create a full, balanced look.
Add extra herbs at the bottom and sides. Keep adjusting until it looks just right.
Serve with extra jam and honey.
Tips and Tricks for a Festive Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Creating a Christmas Tree Cheese Board is a fun and festive way to impress your guests.
Choosing the Right Cheeses
A delightful cheese board starts with choosing a variety of cheeses. Aim for a mix of textures and flavors to please every palate. Consider including:
- Hard Cheeses: Classics like cheddar or Gouda add a rich texture.
- Soft Cheeses: Brie or camembert offer a creamy contrast.
- Blue Cheeses: Stilton or Gorgonzola can provide a bold, tangy kick.
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishes aren't just for decoration; they add flavor and flare.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme can add both aroma and a festive touch.
- Edible Flowers: Use sparingly for a pop of color.
- Seasonal Decorations: Tiny ornaments or ribbons can bring holiday cheer.
Variations and Substitutions for your Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Vegetarian Cheese Boards
For those wanting a vegetarian twist, you can easily create a cheese board that leaves out the meats without sacrificing flavor.
- Plant-Based Cheeses: Explore a variety of plant-based cheeses. Options like almond-based brie or cashew cheddar can be fantastic alternatives.
- Hummus and Spreads: Substitute meats with delicious spreads like roasted red pepper hummus, spinach dip, or olive tapenade.
- Veggie Delights: Amp up the board with an assortment of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, and cucumber rounds.
Sweet and Savory Themes
- Dessert-Themed Board: Incorporate elements like chocolate-covered nuts, dried fruits, and coconut cake squares. Pair cheeses with honey or jams to sweeten things up.
- International Flair: Add exotic cheeses and pair them with international snacks. Think French Brie with baguette slices or Italian Pecorino with sun-dried tomatoes.
Seasonal Ingredients
- Fruits: Consider using vibrant seasonal fruits like clementines, pomegranates, or figs. Their colors and flavors will be a perfect match for the festive season.
- Nuts: Seasonal nuts like pecans and walnuts can add a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheeses while enhancing the holiday vibe.
Christmas Tree Cheese Board FAQs
How do I store leftovers?
- Wrap Cheese: Use wax paper, not plastic. Wax paper lets cheese breathe while keeping it from drying out. Then, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight container.
- Store Meats: Wrap meats like salami or prosciutto in parchment paper and keep them in airtight containers. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
- Preserve Crackers and Pretzels: Keep them in a sealed bag or container to prevent them from getting stale.
- Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Store separately in the fridge, ideally in containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This helps extend their freshness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Planning ahead is always a smart move, especially when entertaining. So, can you make your cheese board in advance? Absolutely!
- Preparation Timeline: Assemble the board up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the board with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.
- Fruit and Fresh Ingredients: Add items like sliced apples and fresh herbs shortly before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Final Touches: Drizzle honey and add any jams just before serving. This keeps everything looking fresh and appetizing.
More Fun Christmas Ideas
- Simple Christmas Popcorn Balls Give All the Old School Feels
- Festive Christmas Mini Lunch Box Cakes to Sweeten Your Celebrations!
- How To Transform Antipasto Skewers into a Beautiful Christmas Wreath Story
- Christmas Tree Appetizer That's Unbelievably Easy To Make
Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Design a Christmas tree cheese board that's a hit at your next gathering. Simple instructions to make your holiday spread sparkle.
Ingredients
The amount of ingredients you’ll need to buy will depend on the amount of servings you need and the size board you have (if using one).
- Sliced salami (Gallo Salame thin sliced light Italian dry salami, 7 ounce package)
- Sliced salami (Gallo Salame thin sliced peppered salami, 6 ounce package)
- Sliced prosciutto (Del Duca cured prosciutto, 6 ounce tray)
- Salami wrapped mozzarella (Fiorucci Hard Salami and Mozzarella Panino, 6 count)
- Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella (Formaggio Cheese Prosciutto and Mozzarella Wrap, 7 count)
- Brie cheese round (President Brie soft-ripened cheese, 8 ounce round)
- Brie cheese wedge (President Brie cheese, 7 ounce triangle wedge)
- Boursin spreadable cheese (Boursin garlic & herb cheese puck, 5.2 ounce)
- Marinated fresh mozzarella balls (Great Value, 12 ounce tub)
- Fresh mozzarella pearls (Belgioso mini snacking cheese pearls, 8 ounce tub)
- 8 ounce block Pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounce block Colby Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 ounce jar stuffed manzanilla olives
- 6 ounce can pitted medium black olives
- 1-2 apples, cored and sliced
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh blackberries
- Dried apricots
- Red and black grapes
- Assorted round crackers (Toasteds Variety Pack, 12 ounce box)
- Assorted tray of sweet nuts and chocolate covered nuts
- 3 cups pretzel mini twists
- 12 pretzel rods, cut in half, for tree trunk
- 1 cup mixed berry jam, for filling the brie cheese round
- 1 cup honey, for drizzling over cheese
- Fresh rosemary (for decoration)
Instructions
- Get cheese prepared. Cut pepper jack and Colby jack blocks into 1-inch cubes. Press a star cookie cutter halfway into the center of the brie cheese circle. Remove the star cutout and then fill with your choice of cranberry sauce, jelly, jam or even honey.
- Cut the pretzel rods in half using a sharp knife for the tree trunk.
- Make salami roses. Arrange the salami in a curved line and spread it out. Roll it up and secure it with a toothpick. You can create larger or smaller roses by using varying numbers of slices. Repeat this process with the remaining salami.
- Next, set out a large serving tray or a large sheet of grazing table paper if you’re using it. Use fresh rosemary to make an outline of your tree. Continue to adjust the tree shape as you work. Stack the pretzels underneath to make the trunk. If desired, you can use food safe twine to hold it together. Put the prepared brie cheese at the top of the tree.
- Add the Boursin cheese spread and sliced meats to the board. I prefer to space them out, placing them at opposite ends and zigzagging them down the tree for a nice visual effect.
- Place the crackers and pretzels in various spots around the board.
- Add the cubed cheese and sliced brie, gradually filling in the empty spaces.
- Place some mozzarella balls and olives along the edges.
- Begin adding fresh fruit to the remaining open spaces, then fill in the gaps with nuts and dried fruit.
- Adjust the sections by adding more ingredients as needed to create a fuller look and balance the tree.
- Add extra herbs at the bottom and place some on the sides. Keep adjusting until it looks perfect!
- Serve with additional jam and honey.
Notes
Before you jump in, I recommend sketching a plan or have a concept in mind especially for larger spreads.
It’s helpful to buy extra ingredients and refill the board/table as needed or serve some extra on the side.
When preparing your board, ensure that your chopping board or tray is large enough for the number of people you're serving. You might also consider covering the table with large sheets of grazing paper or runners for extra space to work with. This paper comes in brown, white, or various designs, and is available in different sizes.
If including fresh fruit or veggies, I suggest adding them to the board just before serving to keep them as fresh as possible.
You can swap out meats and add in any variety of sliced meats you prefer. Pepperoni, salami, and prosciutto are popular choices.
You can easily swap in different cheese and spreads. Try sharp cheddar, Monterey, or gouda if you prefer. Instead of Boursin cheese, you could make a cheese ball instead.
Adding a few different cracker flavors, shapes, and textures offers guests options. You add a variety of different pretzel shapes, chips, or entertainment crackers.
If you don’t want to use fresh sprigs of rosemary you can also use fresh sage or thyme.
Alternate ideas for fresh fruit swaps are pears, strawberries, cherries, or pomegranates.
If you want more fresh veggies included, you could include carrot sticks, cucumber, celery, or bell peppers.
