Holiday Charcuterie Board

This Holiday Charcuterie Board is the easiest way to make your table look instantly festive—no cooking required. It’s loaded with a mix of creamy and sharp cheeses, beef charcuterie, seasonal fruit, crunchy nuts, and crackers plus a swipe of cranberry sauce for that cozy holiday vibe. Perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s gatherings, or any winter get-together when you want something impressive but low-effort. The best part? You can customize it with what you already have and assemble it in about 30 minutes. If you need a holiday appetizer idea that always disappears fast, this board is it.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

Cheese (choose 5–6)

• 4 oz sharp cheddar
• 4 oz brie
• 4 oz white cheddar
• 4 oz asiago
• 4 oz manchego
• 2–4 oz parmesan (block or shards)

Beef Charcuterie (choose 3–4)

• 4 oz bresaola (air-dried beef)
• 4 oz beef salami
• 4 oz beef pepperoni or beef soppressata-style slices
• 2–4 oz smoked beef slices (optional)

Fruits & Veg (6–7 options)

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 Bartlett pears, sliced
• 6–8 figs (fresh or dried)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced
• 1 cup mixed olives

Crunch + Snacks

• 1 cup roasted pecans
• 1/2 cup candied almonds
• 12–16 oz crackers (include a spicy cheese cracker option if you like)

Spread

• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large serving board or platter
• Small bowls/ramekins (for olives, nuts, cranberry sauce)
• Sharp knife (cheese + fruit)
• Cutting board
• Small cheese knives/spreaders
• Paper towels (for quick cleanups)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Bring to temp: Set cheeses and beef charcuterie out 20–30 minutes before serving (better flavor + softer textures).
2. Prep bowls: Add olives, nuts, and cranberry sauce into small bowls.
3. Cut cheeses: Slice hard cheeses into cubes or triangles; leave brie as a wedge (or cut into triangles).
4. Slice fruit: Cut pears/apples into thin slices. Pat berries dry if needed. 🍐🍎
5. Build the base: Place the biggest items first—brie wedge, bowls, cracker stacks.
6. Add meats: Fold beef salami/pepperoni into little “ribbons” and layer bresaola in loose folds for height. ✨
7. Fill gaps: Tuck fruit clusters, nuts, and extra crackers into empty spaces until it looks full and abundant.
8. Finish: Add cheese knives + spreaders, then serve immediately. 🧀🎄

Pro Tips

• Cut cheese cold, serve cheese warm: Slice cheese right from the fridge (clean cuts), then let it sit out to serve (best flavor).
• Balance flavors: Include at least 1 creamy cheese (brie), 1 sharp (cheddar), 1 nutty (manchego), 1 salty (parmesan).
• Make it extra pretty: Group items in “mini piles” instead of spreading everything evenly—more visual impact.
• Make-ahead hack: Prep bowls + slice cheeses and fruit up to 24 hours ahead; assemble right before serving.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 serving	645	36g	12g	50g	1g	8g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

When you need a holiday appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, this Holiday Charcuterie Board wins every time—festive, flexible, and guaranteed to get people hovering around the table.