This Holiday Charcuterie Board is the show-stopping appetizer your party table needs. Loaded with a variety of cheeses, savory meats, seasonal fruits, crunchy nuts, and sweet spreads, it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive flair. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering, New Year’s celebration, or winter dinner party, this easy 30-minute board makes entertaining stress-free and elegant. With beautiful colors like ruby pomegranate, bright citrus, and fresh rosemary sprigs, this holiday appetizer is as stunning as it is delicious.
table of contents
Table of Contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8–12 guests (adjust portions as needed)
Ingredients List
- Variety of cheeses (soft & hard), 1–2 ounces per person
- Variety of meats (salami, prosciutto), 1–2 ounces per person
- Crackers and sliced bread
- Seasonal fruit (persimmons, pears, figs, citrus, pomegranate seeds, dates)
- Nuts (pistachios, marcona almonds, candied pecans)
- Spreads (fig chutney, marmalade, honey)
- Olives (cerignola or castelvetrano)
- Extras (sprigs of rosemary, edible flowers, honeycomb)
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 wooden or marble board
- Small serving bowls
- Cheese knives
- Small spoons
- Serving utensils
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Anchor with Cheese 🧀
Start by placing cheeses around the board.
Spread them into different corners to create balance and structure.
2️⃣ Add the Meats 🥩
Fold prosciutto into soft ribbons or small piles.
Fan out salami slices in overlapping lines for a decorative effect.
Keep meats slightly separated from cheeses for easy pairing.
3️⃣ Layer in Seasonal Fruit 🍊
Add sliced pears, figs, persimmons, citrus segments, and pomegranate seeds.
Place fruit near cheeses they pair well with to guide guests naturally.
4️⃣ Fill the Gaps
Add crackers and bread first to create structure.
Place olives, nuts, and spreads in small bowls.
Tuck in rosemary sprigs or edible flowers for a festive finishing touch.
5️⃣ Final Touch ✨
Step back and look for empty spots.
Fill small gaps with nuts or fruit to create a full, abundant look.
Pro Tips
- Texture Variety: Include creamy, crumbly, and firm cheeses.
- Balance Colors: Use red, green, and gold for holiday vibes.
- Prep Ahead: Slice cheeses and fruit earlier; assemble just before serving.
- Serving Guide: Plan 3–4 ounces total food per person for appetizers.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate (estimated) | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and will vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place assorted cheeses around the board to anchor the layout.
- Add salami and prosciutto in decorative folds and layers around the cheeses.
- Add seasonal fruits around the board to create color and balance.
- Fill remaining gaps with crackers, nuts, olives, and small bowls of spreads until the board looks abundant.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Holiday Charcuterie Board makes entertaining effortless and elegant. With beautiful seasonal ingredients and endless customization options, it’s the perfect festive appetizer to wow your guests.