Do Share Recipe

Christmas Charcuterie (Board) Recipe | Festive Holiday Platter

I just finished putting together this christmas charcuterie (board) recipe and I’m so excited to share how I made it. It honestly feels like I packaged up holiday cheer on a platter! I used my favorite combination of meats, cheeses, fruits, and garnishes to bring the season to life, and the whole thing came together effortlessly.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just want a stunning snack spread for family, this board hits the mark. You can also enjoy a cozy Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe alongside it to complete your festive setup. So, grab your platter — let’s build a Christmas Charcuterie Board that’ll wow your guests (and you!).

Ingredients

Here’s what I used (and why each ingredient matters).

Note: Serves around 10 people as an appetizer.

300 g (10 oz) salami — Pre-sliced salami works best because it folds nicely and offers a rich, savory flavor that balances well with mild cheeses.
300 g (10 oz) coppa — This adds a delicate, slightly smoky note and enhances the texture variety on the board.
200 g (7 oz) blue cheese (like Gorgonzola or Stilton) — A bold, tangy cheese creates a flavor contrast and pairs beautifully with sweet fruit.
100 g (3.5 oz) brie — Soft and creamy, brie adds luxurious texture and is easy for guests to spread on crackers.
100 g (3.5 oz) hard cheese (Gruyère, Havarti, Parmesan, or cheddar) — A firm cheese balances the softer textures and gives the board structure.
Green grapes — They bring a refreshing sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the meat and cheese.
Fresh cherries — Their deep red color adds a festive touch and seasonal flavor.
Cornichons — These tiny pickles add tanginess and crunch, a perfect counterpoint to rich charcuterie.
1 cup olives — Choose a mix of green and black olives for a briny burst that complements both meat and cheese.
Preserves or jam — Fig jam, cranberry sauce, or orange marmalade bring just the right amount of sweetness to round out the savory flavors.
Crackers of your choice — Use a mix of seeded, plain, and crispy crackers for a satisfying crunch and visual variety.
4 large bunches of fresh rosemary — Apart from adding a lovely aroma, rosemary doubles as a festive green decoration that mimics Christmas garland.

Variations

You can easily customize this board to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace traditional cheeses with vegan nut-based cheeses such as almond cheddar or cashew cream cheese.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free jams or substitute with fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds, figs, or apple slices.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add roasted nuts, candied pecans, or marinated artichokes for crunch and richness.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and include roasted vegetables, hummus, or extra pickled items.
Gluten-Free Choice: Serve with gluten-free crackers, rice crisps, or seed-based crackers.

For a drink pairing, try something warming like a Slow Cooker Mulled Wine Recipe — it perfectly complements the savory and sweet notes of your board.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This recipe doesn’t involve any cooking — just assembling and styling, which makes it ideal for last-minute entertaining.

Equipment You Need

Large serving board or platter – To assemble everything in one beautiful display.
Cheese knives or spreaders – For cutting and serving different types of cheese.
Small bowls or ramekins – To hold olives, pickles, and preserves neatly.
Optional cookie cutters – Use festive shapes (like stars or trees) to cut cheese slices for a Christmas touch.

How to Make Christmas Charcuterie Board

Step 1: Arrange the base greenery

Start by placing the fresh rosemary sprigs in a loose wreath shape on your platter. This creates a vibrant, aromatic foundation that sets the tone for the whole board. It instantly gives a Christmas feel and frames your ingredients beautifully.

Step 2: Add cheeses and meats

Cut or slice the cheeses as needed. Arrange soft cheeses like brie and blue cheese in different corners of the board. Slice the hard cheeses and place them next to the softer ones for contrast. Fold or roll your cured meats (salami and coppa) and fan them out around the cheeses for a balanced look.

Step 3: Fill in the crackers, preserves, and fruits

Now, add your crackers and place small bowls of olives, pickles, and preserves in open spaces on the board. Fill gaps with grapes, cherries, and other fruit. I like to keep each type of item in clusters rather than scattered — it makes the board look abundant and professional.

Step 4: Garnish and finish

Once everything’s placed, add extra rosemary or sage sprigs to fill any empty spots. This makes the board look lush and festive. Place cheese knives and small spoons for easy serving, and your Christmas Charcuterie Board is ready to impress.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a big difference:

I always take cheeses out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving — room temperature enhances their flavor and texture.
I cluster items together instead of spreading them thinly. It gives the board a fuller, more inviting look.
I combine textures — crunchy nuts, juicy fruit, creamy cheese — for balance in every bite.
I leave some space for bowls or dips; this keeps the board clean and organized.
I keep extra fruit and crackers nearby so I can refill the board during the party without disrupting the display.

How to Serve Christmas Charcuterie Board

Serve your board at room temperature so all the flavors shine. A large wooden or slate board works best for presentation. Arrange the ingredients in layers and group similar colors for visual appeal — reds from cherries, greens from grapes and rosemary, creamy whites from cheeses.

Add small touches like mini candy canes, Christmas ornaments, or even edible flowers to match the holiday spirit. Serve alongside a glass of sparkling wine, cider, or mulled wine for a complete festive experience.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of what one serving contains (will vary by ingredients used):

Calories: ~267 kcal
Protein: ~12 g
Carbohydrates: ~7 g
Fat: ~21 g

This board provides a satisfying mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it perfect for sharing without being too heavy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can pre-slice the cheeses and fold the meats a few hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the board right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Storage

If you have leftovers, transfer everything into airtight containers and refrigerate. The cheeses and meats will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Crackers should be stored separately to keep them crunchy.

Freezing and Reheating

This isn’t a freezer-friendly recipe since fresh fruit and cheese textures change after thawing. The board is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This board is more than just a snack — it’s a holiday centerpiece that brings everyone together. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

It’s effortless. There’s no cooking involved, just thoughtful arranging — perfect for busy hosts.
Endlessly customizable. You can adapt it for dietary needs or simply based on what you already have at home.
It looks stunning. The mix of colors, textures, and festive touches makes it the ultimate Christmas showstopper.
Everyone loves it. There’s something for everyone — savory, sweet, soft, crunchy, mild, and bold.
Perfect for any size gathering. You can easily scale it up for a crowd or down for an intimate family night.

Creating this Christmas Charcuterie Board is such a joyful experience — it’s fun, creative, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. So go ahead, put on some holiday music, pour yourself a drink, and have fun building your masterpiece. Merry snacking and happy holidays!

Ben Carraoli