Christmas Tree Charcuterie: A Stunning Holiday Centerpiece

The holiday season is all about gathering, celebrating, and enjoying good food with the people we love. But if you’re a crazy busy mama like me, you know the struggle of wanting to make something beautiful and festive without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Christmas Tree Charcuterie idea with you!

It’s festive, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner, bringing an appetizer to a party, or just creating something fun for a cozy night in with the family, this Christmas Tree Charcuterie board checks all the boxes: simple, delicious, and stunning.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Charcuterie

How to make Christmas Tree Charcuterie: ingredients you need!

Crackers (variety pack)

Salami & pepperoni slices

Prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella

Cubed cheeses (cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)

Block of Gouda cheese

Block of Boursin cheese

Strawberries & purple grapes

Honeycomb

Chocolate-covered pretzels

Roasted peanuts

Baby dill pickles

Jalapeño-stuffed green olives

Jalapeño pepper jelly

Pretzel rods (for the trunk)

Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Video Tutorial

For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial, here is one for you!

How to Make Christmas Tree Charcuterie

How to make Christmas Tree Charcuterie: a step-by-step guide

1. Prepare Your Board

Lay parchment paper on a large serving board or countertop. With an edible marker, draw a big triangle to guide your tree shape. This helps keep everything neat and balanced as you build your Christmas Tree Charcuterie.

2. Build the Base

Start at the bottom and place crackers in a row to form the base layer of your tree. Crackers give you a sturdy foundation to stack other ingredients on top.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Now the fun begins! Add rows of meats like salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella. Follow with cheeses—cubes of cheddar, pepper jack, Boursin, and little wedges of Gouda. Mix in strawberries, grapes, roasted peanuts, baby pickles, olives, and chocolate-covered pretzels. This Blue Hive honeycomb is THE BEST!

Alternate colors and textures as you layer. This makes your Christmas Tree Charcuterie not only delicious but also visually stunning. Fill in any gaps with smaller items like nuts or berries.

4. Make the Star Topper

Take your block of Gouda and use a small star-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out the center. Gently scoop it out with a spoon if needed. Fill the star-shaped cutout with jalapeño pepper jelly for a festive, colorful finish. Place your star at the top of the tree.

5. Finishing Touches

Use pretzel rods at the bottom of the tree to make the trunk. Then tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges to mimic evergreen branches. Add extra sprigs or red berries if you want more pops of color.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie: SIDE IDEA

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. A Christmas Tree Charcuterie board isn’t just food; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. It invites everyone to graze, chat, and laugh around the table.

So this Christmas, don’t overthink your appetizers. Grab your favorite cheeses, meats, fruits, and snacks, and shape them into a festive tree that will wow your guests. Simple, beautiful, and oh-so delicious—Christmas Tree Charcuterie is a tradition worth adding to your holiday season.

Crazy Busy Mama Tip

Here’s my CBM tip: prep all your ingredients the night before. Slice your cheeses, wash your fruit, roll your meats, and store everything in airtight containers. When it’s time to build your Christmas Tree Charcuterie, all you have to do is assemble. This little shortcut makes hosting so much less stressful, and it lets you focus on what really matters—spending time with your loved ones.

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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.

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More Easy Holiday Recipes

If you love this Christmas Tree Charcuterie, be sure to check out these other easy holiday recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.

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